Health officials are tracking a cyclospora outbreak spreading across the United States, with fresh produce identified as a likely source. Bagged salad mixes, berries, and some herbs have been linked to the cases.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce and water. When swallowed, it can cause cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that brings watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks and may return in waves.
Washing produce under running water does not reliably remove the parasite, according to public health guidance. Cooking is the most dependable method to destroy cyclospora. Documented outbreaks have been tied to raw produce, not cooked food.
Health officials recommend the following precautions:
Bagged salad mixes and pre-washed greens should be avoided for now, or washed again at home even if the package says they are ready to eat. Buying a whole head of lettuce and removing the outer three layers is another option. Fresh fruit should be skipped when the source or handling is unknown.
For people who already have berries at home and are unsure about safety, cooking the fruit is the recommended approach.
One option is to make chia seed jam. The fruit simmers until soft and jammy, which heats it past the point where the parasite can survive. Chia seeds are then stirred in to thicken the mixture into a spreadable jam without pectin or store-bought thickeners. Chia seeds add fiber and omega-3s.
Chia seed jam recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh fruit (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, peaches, mangoes, pineapple, apricots, plums, kiwi, or a mix)
2 tablespoons chia seeds (more depending on liquid released)
2 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup or agave (optional)
Juice of 1 lime or lemon
Zest of 1 lime or lemon
Instructions:
Add fruit to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit breaks down and becomes soft and bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Mash with a fork or spoon to desired consistency.
Remove pan from heat. Stir in chia seeds, lime or lemon juice, lime or lemon zest, and sweetener if using.
Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the jam.
Taste and adjust sweetness. If thinner than desired, stir in another half tablespoon of chia seeds and wait a few more minutes.
Spoon into a jar and refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools and keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Ripe summer fruit is often sweet enough on its own, so taste before adding syrup. For a smoother jam, blend briefly before adding chia seeds. Leave it rustic for a chunkier spread. Mango-pineapple, strawberry-peach, and mixed berry are good fruit combinations.
The cyclospora outbreak is ongoing, and health officials are working to trace the source. Cooking fresh fruit, especially berries, is the clearest protective step available. The jam provides a way to make fruit safe while keeping it edible and flavorful.
