Nourish Without Fear: What You Need to Know About the Cyclospora Lettuce Outbreak

Lately, opening the news feels a little like asking, “All right…what can’t we eat today?”

First came the Cyclospora lettuce outbreak. Then came another alarming headline about garlic powder. And as of my finalizing this, I heard that eggs were being recalled for salmonella.

At this rate, I think I may want to have my own farm or garden.

In the middle of it all, I posted a picture of a big chocolate chip cookie and jokingly wrote, “Marked safe from Cyclospora.” Because sometimes, you have to laugh. Food safety is serious—but living in constant fear of your plate isn’t healthy either.

Before You Panic About Lettuce... And The Cyclospora Outbreak

A recall doesn’t mean every version of that food is unsafe. This distinction matters!

The current Cyclospora investigation has been linked to specific shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to certain Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Some Marketside iceberg lettuce products were also removed from the market. It does not mean that every head of lettuce or every piece of produce is contaminated.*

As of July 19, the FDA reported no confirmed positive product samples, although the investigation and product-removal efforts were continuing. Read the FDA outbreak update.

The garlic powder recall is even more specific. It involves Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder sold in Canada, including online, in 70-gram containers with UPC 6 67888 50634 7, best-before date January 30, 2029, and code GP 30ZV PIT. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled it because of possible Bacillus cereus contamination. This is a Canadian recall—not a warning against every container of garlic powder sitting in an American pantry.View the official Canadian recall.

In other words: check the product, brand, size, and identifying codes before declaring an entire ingredient guilty by association. Do not be like the young woman on TikTok who tried to clean her salad with dishwashing liquid and bleach.

Cyclospora Takes a While to Cause Symptoms

People who become infected with cyclospora won’t develop symptoms right away. So if you feel sick immediately after eating a salad, that likely isn’t the culprit.

The time between exposure to the parasite and when symptoms first appear is two to 14 days. On average, it takes a week for the diarrhea to start.

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Wash Wisely—But Understand the Limits

Properly washing produce can reduce germs, dirt, and residue, but washing cannot guarantee the removal of Cyclospora. If an item has been recalled, don’t try to rescue it with an extra-long rinse. Return it or dispose of it according to the recall instructions.

Best Practices for Washing Produce

For produce that has not been recalled:

• Wash your hands before and after handling food.

• Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.

• Scrub firm produce, such as cucumbers and melons, with a clean produce brush.

• Remove bruised or damaged areas and discard anything that appears rotten.

• Don’t wash produce with soap, bleach, or household cleaners.

• Keep produce away from raw meat, seafood, and their utensils.

• Wash reusable produce brushes and clean your sink and preparation surfaces regularly.

  
  

The CDC notes that cooking produce to at least 158°F or 70°C can kill Cyclospora. That makes cooked vegetables a useful option when you want additional reassurance, although recalled food should still be discarded rather than cooked and eaten. See the CDC’s Cyclospora guidance.

Store It Safely

Refrigerate lettuce, herbs, berries, mushrooms, and other perishable produce at 40°F or below. Precut or packaged produce should also go into the refrigerator promptly. Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods, and use clean containers or produce drawers. A refrigerator thermometer is inexpensive and considerably more trustworthy than standing in front of the open door wondering, “Does this feel cold enough?” Review the FDA’s produce-storage guidance.

Make a Swap, Not a Sacrifice

If a particular product is involved in a recall, you can still build a nourishing and delicious meal.

Instead of shredded iceberg lettuce, try:

• Shredded cabbage

• Kale or collard greens

• Spinach

• Arugula

• Cooked broccoli or roasted vegetables

• A grain bowl using quinoa, brown rice, or farro as its base

  
  

If your specific garlic powder is recalled, use:

• Fresh minced garlic

• Granulated garlic from an unaffected brand

• Onion powder

• Shallots or scallions

• Chives

• Smoked paprika, cumin, or an herb blend for a different flavor profile

  
  

The goal isn’t to panic-buy a replacement for everything in your kitchen. It’s simply to verify what you have and pivot when necessary.

Nourishment Includes Peace of Mind

Food recalls can feel especially unsettling when we’re trying to make thoughtful choices for ourselves, our families, or our customers.

I felt that firsthand while preparing products for my first Love Yourself Wellness pop-up. When information changes, responsible wellness means paying attention and adjusting—not spreading panic, ignoring legitimate concerns, or abandoning fresh food altogether.

Stay informed. Check official recall notices. Practice good food handling. Seek medical care if you develop prolonged watery diarrhea, significant vomiting, dehydration, or other concerning symptoms after eating a potentially affected product.

Then, once you’ve checked the label and washed your produce, allow yourself to enjoy your meal.

And yes, sometimes nourishment may look like a colorful vegetable bowl. Sometimes it may look like a very large chocolate chip cookie proudly marked Cyclospora-free.

Balance, beloved. Balance.

Nourish. Move. Glow.

The tips and information shared in this blog are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions regarding your physical or mental health, including starting any new exercise or nutrition program, especially if you have underlying medical conditions, injuries, or mental health concerns.