Fresno Officials Clarify Cyclospora Risks for Produce Safety

WHO:

Consumer Reports - James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety

ABC30 Fresno - Dr. Trinidad Solis, Fresno County Department of Public Health

ABC30 Fresno - Angelica Salas, Bake It Mine

WHAT:

Consumer Reports - At least 6,000 people in the U.S. have been sickened by cyclospora this year.

ABC30 Fresno - Fresno County health officials confirmed the county's first case of cyclosporiasis this year.

ABC30 Fresno - The local case in Fresno County is not linked to recent outbreaks reported elsewhere in the country.

ABC30 Fresno - Taco Bell has taken action to remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.

WHERE:

Consumer Reports - Majority of infections reported in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky.

ABC30 Fresno - Fresno County, California.

ABC30 Fresno - Taco Bell locations in the Midwest.

WHEN:

Consumer Reports - As of July 14, the CDC reported cases detected in at least 34 states this year.

ABC30 Fresno - Last year, Fresno County saw one confirmed case of cyclosporiasis.

WHY:

Consumer Reports - The cyclospora parasite can be found in food and water contaminated with human feces, with infections more likely in warm or rainy weather.

ABC30 Fresno - Health officials have previously linked outbreaks to imported contaminated produce, including raspberries, lettuce, and cilantro.

HOW:

ABC30 Fresno - Health officials recommend washing fruits and vegetables under running water, even if packaged.

ABC30 Fresno - Bake It Mine has removed all raspberry dishes from its menu as a precaution.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 22:22 UTC)

This year, at least 6,000 people in the U.S. have been sickened by cyclospora, with Fresno County confirming its first case of cyclosporiasis, which is not linked to recent outbreaks in other areas. Taco Bell has proactively removed potentially contaminated lettuce from a supplier in select states, while health officials emphasize the importance of washing fruits and vegetables under running water. In response to the situation, Bake It Mine has taken precautionary measures by removing all raspberry dishes from its menu.