Did you hear?!? A recent poll reported that 40% of US citizens are reducing their intake of produce after the outbreak of Cyclospora. Amidst the concerns of exposure from contaminated produce, a few important points should be remembered.

Forty-one states have reported at least one case of Cyclospora, which causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and extreme tiredness. Nine states at this point have been involved in a multi-state outbreaks. This bacteria impacts leafy greens, fresh herbs, and delicate berries.

But these are so important! Leafy greens, herbs and berries include many vegetables and fruits that we consider superfoods. How long will this outbreak last? How long do we avoid superfoods? I think we have to continue to eat these superfoods while being careful with the risk.

For instance, produce should be washed prior to being used. First, keep them separated from unwashed. Second, if you get whole head lettuce or cabbages, peel off the outer three layers first, and then wash them thoroughly. Washing produce doesn’t need special chemicals, especially chlorine, but rather using friction from scrubbing with clean, running water.

Alternatively, you can cook your produce. Getting the temperature to 158 degrees Fahrenheit would be enough to kill Cyclospora, according to the CDC. Cooking the produce does reduce the nutrients in some produce, and can make nutrients in other produce more available.

So… don’t give up on produce. Be careful and aware. But continue to eat healthy.