Montana Shoppers May Think Twice About Bagged Lettuce After Outbreak
I decided to make a sandwich for lunch yesterday. First, there was turkey...Check. Next, cheese...Check. Then I picked up a bag of shredded lettuce and stopped.
For the very first time in my life, I seriously considered not putting lettuce on my sandwich.
In the end, I did leave it off. Maybe I am paranoid with all of the stories coming out regarding the Cyclospora outbreaks happening nationwide. I would guess that I wasn't the only Montanan who was viewing their produce just a bit differently.
What Is Happening?
Cyclospora is an organism that exists as a microparasitic infection. It can grow on fresh produce. It is spread by feces getting into the water used to irrigate crops. According to the CDC, people infected with this parasite may experience severe stomach symptoms. They include diarrhea (severe or "explosive"), stomach cramping, nausea, and extreme fatigue. Health agencies are working to determine what types of food are causing all the outbreaks.
Fortunately, Montana has no documented cases... YET! Several neighboring states (including Washington State) have experienced confirmed cases of people becoming sick due to eating foods contaminated with Cyclospora.
This Story Has My Attention
I read an article from KTVQ in Billings indicating some shoppers are opting to purchase locally-grown products as opposed to packaged products until they know more about the contamination of these products.
While I don't believe that every individual needs to stop consuming salads (and that is coming from a heavy-set guy like myself). Also, investigators have yet to determine specifically what product is causing the contamination.
Taco Bell recently got the news spotlight when investigators were determining if lettuce used at various Taco Bell locations throughout the U.S. could be associated with part of the Cyclospora outbreak. To date, none of the restaurants/suppliers/ingredients being evaluated have been determined to be associated with the Cyclospora parasites. Besides, who hasn't experienced some stomach cramping after crushing a bag of tacos?
Hopefully, health investigators will determine the source of the contamination soon. Hopefully, Montana will remain on the "no confirmed cases" list. When that happens, I will again be able to add shredded lettuce to my sandwiches without hesitation. Until then, I believe I will stick with potato chips on top instead.