Brian Schaneberg recommends washing lettuce to mitigate risks during the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in American history.

Brian Schaneberg, executive director of IIT's Institute for Food Safety and Health, suggests that consumers wash lettuce thoroughly to combat the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in American history. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have yet to confirm a definitive source, the parasite has affected 41 states this summer. Schaneberg notes that while cooking lettuce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the only way to reliably kill the parasite, most consumers prefer washing it. He advises shoppers to clean even the pre-washed varieties to remove potential contaminants. The outbreak has prompted many to seek out local produce, as shorter supply chains reduce handling time and cross-contamination risks. While the administration announced various food safety updates, the current outbreak has highlighted the importance of monitoring. Experts suggest that buying whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-chopped varieties allows for better cleaning. Despite the ongoing investigation, many consumers continue to purchase lettuce, favoring local farmers markets to ensure freshness and safety.

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