A recent outbreak of Cyclospora food poisoning linked to salad products imported from Mexico has sickened more than 600 people in 20 states around the country. While Cyclospora infections are uncommon in the United States, this outbreak highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent these types of illnesses before they occur. This article discusses a number of simple ways you can avoid Cyclospora food poisoning.
Cyclosporiasis Food Poisoning Update 8/27/13: Not all of the more than 600 cases involved in the recent Cyclospora food poisoning outbreak are related to each other, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this week. “The preliminary analysis of results from this ongoing cluster investigation in Texas does not show a connection to salad mix, leafy greens, and salad mix components produced at Taylor Farms de Mexico,” the CDC said. Click here to learn more.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Cyclospora food poisoning (cyclosporiasis), you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
How common is Cyclospora Food Poisoning in the U.S.?
Cyclospora bacteria is commonly found in contaminated drinking water or fresh fruits and vegetables. Epidemics involving the bacteria are rarely reported in the U.S. due to the fact that the parasite thrives in tropical and subtropical regions; however, it is important to keep in mind that there is ALWAYS a risk of Cyclospora contamination with imported foods.
How does food become tainted with Cyclospora bacteria?
Cyclospora bacteria is usually found in food or water that has been tainted with feces. Contaminated water, for example, may unknowingly be used to irrigate plants or vegetables, which is one way it has been known to make it into the food supply. The pathogen thrives in tropical and subtropical countries, making locals and travelers in these regions much more susceptible to contracting Cyclosporiasis. However, the contamination can occur at any point in the process from farming to packaging, shipping, and distributing. For this reason, it is crucial that traceability technology is used at every level of the food supply chain.
What actions can I take to help prevent Cyclospora food poisoning?
Preventing Cyclospora food poisoning comes down to following basic principles of food handling, which include:
- Purchase foods from safe sources
- Cook food adequately
- Hold foods at correct temperatures
- Sanitize all equipment and tools before preparing foods
- Practice proper hygiene
- Prevent cross contamination
- Control time and temperature
- Heat foods and cool foods proper
Need More Info?
Click on the links below if you’d like to learn more about how to avoid Cyclospora food poisoning:
- Mayo Clinic – Cyclospora Infection
- WebMD – Cyclospora Infections: Are You at Risk?
- Right Diagnosis – Prevention of Cyclospora cayetanesis food poisoning
Do I Have a Cyclospora Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in food poisoning lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cyclosporiasis cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: If you developed cyclosporiasis, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.