Advice to Consumers

CDC encourages consumers to follow general fruit and vegetable safety recommendations..

• Consumers should continue to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet.
• Consumers and retailers should always follow safe fruit and vegetable handling recommendations:
  • Wash
    • Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables.
    • Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with soap and hot water between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and seafood products and the preparation of fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked.
  • Prepare
    • Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
    • Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home.
    • Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
    • Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
  • Store
    • Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within 2 hours.
    • Store fruits and vegetables away from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Consumers should contact their health care provider if they think they might have become ill from eating contaminated food.
  • Symptoms of Cyclospora infection may include:
    • Watery diarrhea (most common)
    • Loss of appetite
    • Weight loss
    • Cramping
    • Bloating
    • Increased gas
    • Nausea
    • Fatigue
  • See Symptoms & Treatment for more information.