Cyclospora: Sanitation Is the Smartest Defense
January 13, 2021 
Hand washing is great way to limit Cyclospora’s spread
Cyclospora, a parasite new to the U.S., already has outbreaks popping up across the U.S. And there is a fear of fresh-market vegetable crops becoming contaminated.
This parasitic infection causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. The FDA called multiple Class II recalls of contaminated leafy greens.
The FDA splits recalls into 3 (I to III) classes based on severity with I the most severe and III being mostly harmless.
Where can I Find This Parasite in My Operation?
Here is where a big problem lies. Cyclospora is not found in large groups outside of a human host. Even those parasites that are found outside of the human body are not always able to infect a human, said Dr. Jennifer McEntire, Vice President of Food Safety and Technology, United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA) during her presentation at the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference.
This means finding the parasite out in the open is more like finding a needle in a haystack. This is why McEntire does not recommend growers put resources into searching their operations for Cyclospora.
What Can I Do to Avoid This Parasite?
Rather than trying to find Cyclospora, McEntire recommends growers focus on preventing the parasite from coming into contact with their crops.
Her recommendations are:
- Implementing hand washing policies
- Monitoring staff health
- Keeping those with stomach flu-like symptoms at home
- Maintaining low foot traffic prior to harvest
- Keeping toilet facilities clean
- Surveillance testing water such as canals for possible signs of Cyclospora
McEntire has more to say about Cyclospora, check out our previous article.
Subscribe Today For
