You may have heard that a recent outbreak of stomach illness, such as diarrhea, has been linked with a bag of mixed salad parasite. And after the great epidemic of spinach in 2006 many of us think that those days were over. This time, the parasite Cyclospora killed nearly 400 people across the country to get sick, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The mark of this salad has been identified as the CDC and the FDA does not know exactly where the error originated. There are many different salads that are used in the mixture and any of them could be the culprit. Also they are not sure when the contamination occurred in the process, if the irrigation water to lettuce or bagged prewashed before. What they know is that they believe that the epidemic to an end. As reports began in mid-June and packaged salad is perishable, it is assumed that in stores.
So what are we as consumers supposed to do? Stop buying lettuce or any fruit or vegetable that comes from the earth and watered by the water? I think not. Do not buy salad in a bag over? Again, I do not think so.
I think the odds are always in our favor. As someone who regularly eat fruits and vegetables that I have never once had a disease transmitted by food. As well as a large amount of lettuce bag both pure convenience thereof. And as a health professional, I could never imagine telling someone that the risk of foodborne illness far outweighs the benefits of eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
Wash the lettuce bag could reduce the risk? Many reports have shown that washing lettuce "pre-washed" it makes no difference. And sometimes, if there are bacteria in the lettuce and rinse in the sink, can actually increase the risk of spread to other foods. The best advice I can offer for now is to follow the FDA guidelines on food safety in general:
• Clean - Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Separate - not contaminate.
• Cook - Cook to proper temperatures.
• Chill - Refrigerate promptly.
Personally, I remain confident that our government will do everything possible to make the food supply safer. At this point, I see no other option.