NC Farmers See Produce Sales Growth as Cyclosporiasis Cases Top 300

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Surpasses 300 Cases in North Carolina

Cyclosporiasis is a food-borne infection caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite. The infection is known to trigger severe gastrointestinal distress, including explosive diarrhea. While health officials are actively investigating the outbreak to identify a specific source, they note that pinpointing the origin has proven difficult. Currently, most reported cases have been linked to the consumption of lettuce, cilantro, and parsley.

Local Produce Markets See Shift in Consumer Behavior

As the outbreak continues, some consumers are altering their shopping habits, moving away from chain grocery stores in favor of locally grown produce. At the State Farmer’s Market, shoppers like Sissy Rodriguez and Taylor Catherine Fielding expressed a preference for local items, citing concerns over the safety of produce sold at larger retail outlets.

I feel like it's safer to buy stuff from here than maybe a big chain store, because at least for the most part, the stuff is coming from local farms and whatnot, Rodriguez said. While some shoppers remain cautious—with some avoiding specific items like berries and lettuce—vendors are reporting a noticeable rise in sales for greens, kale, and lettuce. Stephanie Moore of Moore’s Produce in Meadows, NC, confirmed that her farm has seen an increase in demand for these items.

Farmers Emphasize Safety and Freshness

Farmers across the region are working to reassure the public by highlighting the differences between their operations and the large-scale distribution chains currently under scrutiny. Martha Mobley, owner of Meadow Lane Farm in Louisburg, noted that food safety is a primary concern for local growers. Mobley, who has sold produce at the Durham Farmers Market for 20 years, explained that her farm employs strict sanitation protocols, including mandatory hand-washing training for all staff and accessible sanitary facilities near the fields.

Other producers, such as Bernard Obie of Roxboro, argue that the local supply chain is inherently safer due to reduced handling and shorter transit times. Local is best. It is fresher, Obie stated, adding that much of his produce is harvested just one day before sale.

Guidance for Consumers

While local farmers advocate for the quality of their harvest, health officials continue to stress that consumers must remain vigilant regarding food safety. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued warnings regarding potential contamination in broader supply chains, including a recent notice advising the public not to consume shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taylor Fresh Foods also announced the removal of all iceberg lettuce from the U.S. market.

Regardless of where produce is purchased, experts emphasize the necessity of proper food handling at home. Vendors and health officials alike recommend the following practices:

• Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before consumption.
• Do not eat any produce that has been subject to a formal recall; dispose of such items immediately.
• Maintain caution when selecting produce until the source of the outbreak is fully identified and contained.

For more information on the outbreak and safety precautions, visit WRAL and abc11.com.