New Foods Added to Michigan’s Cyclospora Outbreak Watchlist

Chances are, with well over 8,100 reported cases in Michigan, you or someone you know has dealt with the Cyclospora parasite. This lovely illness causes what can only be described as "frequent and explosive diarrhea." Now, state health officials are adding to the list of foods thought to carry the parasite and cause faster-than-normal trips to the restroom.

RELATED: Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits More Than 7,600 in Michigan

Remaining a concern: salad and leafy greens (get caught up, click the link above). If you've ever looked for a reason to skip the salad, this is it.

More Foods Michigan Shoppers Should Watch

a person holding a glass of water

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending residents use caution when eating anything involving fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions, along with bagged salad mixes.

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While none of these foods have tested positive for Cyclospora recently, past outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada have been traced back to them. Again, not a confirmed source, but an area for caution... and scrubbing.

How to Wash Produce Without Performing an Exorcism

a sink filled with lots of different types of vegetables

You can't clean anything with dirty hands, so the first step is to wash up, and then thoroughly rinse all vegetables and herbs under clean running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Scrub all firm produce with a clean produce brush (if you don't have one, get one), and cut away bruised or damaged-looking areas.

RELATED: Michigan Tick Season: Where Lyme Disease Risk Is Highest

And... before you ask... you should wash even the "pre-washed" produce. All that said, washing doesn't guarantee Cyclospora will be gone. The MDHHS says that cooking produce to 158 degrees is your strongest protection against the parasite and spending way too much time using the bathroom.

Be Safe, Be Smart

Nobody wants a raspberry garnish that results in explosive diarrhea and an extended restroom residency. Wash, peel, or cook produce when possible, watch recall alerts, and contact your health care provider if symptoms develop. The silver lining? Ice cream remains off the suspect list.