How to properly clean produce to help avoid the explosive diarrhea parasite cyclospora

With headlines swirling around the cyclospora outbreak – and during peak salad season, no less – you may be reexamining how to effectively clean your fruits and vegetables at home.

The parasitic illness, which causes watery, explosive diarrhea, has affected thousands of people across the US, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects the outbreak to continue through August. Health officials are reportedly looking at iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms supplied to Taco Bell as a possible source.

Under normal circumstances, a good rinse would be a sufficient precaution, but until a source has been officially confirmed, it doesn’t hurt to be extra thorough when prepping fresh produce. While the CDC still recommends cooking veggies as the best way to kill the parasite, taking extra time to thoroughly rinse, scrub and dry your farm fresh goods might be able to help fend off the risk of infection. With the current risk of cyclospora, even pre-washed bagged veggies may be worth washing again.

You should always wash your hands and surfaces before handling food, of course, but having the proper cleaning tools is also key. I’ve been a food writer and product reviewer for nearly a decade, and I’ve tested hundreds of cooking gadgets and tools to see what’s worthy of a space in your kitchen. From veggie brushes to a reliable peeler to a salad spinner, here are six kitchen tools that can elevate the cleanliness of your produce, and hopefully help keep cyclosporiasis at bay.

More at source: The Guardian

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