Can produce washes kill Cyclospora? What consumers should know

The recent Cyclospora outbreak may have some consumers wondering whether special fruit and vegetable washes can make fresh produce safer.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables, including berries, leafy greens, and herbs. Products marketed as vegetable washes or produce soaps may claim to remove harmful contaminants, but there is no evidence that any of them can kill Cyclospora.

Washing produce still matters, but it has its limits

The parasite is protected by a tough outer shell that makes it resistant to soaps, sanitizers, and other produce washes. Washing fruits and vegetables is still recommended. Rinsing produce under cold running water can remove dirt and reduce some contamination, though the effectiveness depends on the type of produce.

In one study, rinsing blueberries under running water removed more than 90% of Cyclospora. Plain rinsing removed only about 40% from raspberries, whose uneven surface gives the parasite more places to cling.

Researchers found that gently swishing raspberries in a vinegar solution or using a salad spinner removed more of the parasite than rinsing alone. Neither method killed Cyclospora nor guaranteed the fruit was safe to eat.

The only proven way to kill Cyclospora

Thorough cooking is the only reliable way to kill Cyclospora, but that is not practical for many fruits and vegetables that are typically eaten raw.

Previous U.S. outbreaks have been associated with basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas. However, those are not the only foods that can carry the parasite. Any fresh produce contaminated before it reaches a consumer’s kitchen could potentially be a source.

Consumers should continue rinsing produce under running water before eating it and follow any public health advisories or recall notices connected to the outbreak. Specialty produce washes should not be considered protection against Cyclospora.