NC farmers see increased produce sales as cyclosporiasis outbreak continues

Shoppers are turning to locally grown produce sold at the State Farmer’s Market as health officials investigate the cyclosporiasis outbreak in North Carolina to find a source. 

Friends Sissy Rodriguez and Taylor Catherine Fielding visited the farmer’s market on Sunday to buy fruits and vegetables instead of purchasing them from a grocery store. 

“It makes me nervous, and I feel like I keep hearing different pieces of information about how dangerous it is or where it's coming from,” Rodriguez says about the food-borne illness. 

According to the latest numbers from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there are currently 307 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in North Carolina. There are 270 cases in Wake County. 

The illness is caused by a parasite called cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that triggers unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, including "explosive diarrhea."  

On Friday, Taylor Fresh Foods, said that it’s removing all iceberg lettuce from the US market.  

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said the shredded lettuce was sent to Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. In a notice posted Thursday night, the agency warned the public not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in those states.

“I feel like it's safer to buy stuff from here than maybe a big chain store, because at least for the most part, the stuff is coming from local farms and whatnot,” Rodriguez says about shopping at the State Farmer’s Market. 

Fielding added, “It's like you kind of know what you're getting. Everything's in season, and it's just better.”

The outbreak led to a rise in sales for many farmers at the market, including Stephanie Moore with Moore’s Produce in Meadows, NC. 

“We're definitely seeing an increase in the sales of our greens, lettuce, and kale, and things like that,” says Moore. 

She told WRAL there is no concern about the parasite affecting her farm’s produce. 

Food from local growers requires limited handling and packing, a shorter travel distance, and is usually sold fresh. Factors that all lower the chances of contamination. 

However, there is still a level of caution among consumers. 

“I'm just reconsidering what I would and would not buy,” says Rodriguez. “Like watermelon, I feel like it's safe because you're not eating the outside of it. But I'll probably stay away from lettuce, berries, for a bit, just until it all blows over.”

Health officials say it can be hard to narrow down exactly what the source of the outbreak is. The CDC is advising people to not eat any recalled produce and to throw it away if you do have it.