Cyclospora outbreak reshapes lettuce habits in Central Florida

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 20,000 cases of cyclospora across the United States during the season that ran from May 1 through August. Nearly 13,000 of those cases were linked to iceberg lettuce. In Florida, approximately 500 cases were connected to the outbreak, which the CDC attributed to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

The CDC declared the outbreak over, yet hesitation remains in Central Florida. Many residents have turned to local markets and farms rather than large grocery stores. This shift has driven a noticeable increase in sales for local vendors. In Brevard County, Rockledge Gardens, a nursery and market owned by Brendan Hayes-Morrison and Devon Klingman, has seen produce sell out quickly.

Anastasia Garcia, who runs the market at Rockledge Gardens, sources greens weekly from a local farm in New Smyrna. She stated that produce moves off the shelves faster than usual since the summer recalls. Garcia explained that customers value the direct connection with local growers. She wrote a letter to residents in the summer to reassure them that her produce was safe. Garcia noted that while some customers were initially afraid of greens, the market now struggles to keep stock on the shelves.

Fletcher Family Farms in New Smyrna supplies Rockledge Gardens with herbs and hydroponic greens. The farm is run by Sara Fletcher, her husband, and two children. Fletcher said the farm has had its busiest summer in years. The family has operated the farm for 11 years, starting full-time operations around 2020. They grow leafy greens using hydroponics, a method that allows for year-round production in mineral nutrient solutions. Fletcher noted that this method takes about seven weeks to harvest.

Fletcher explained that her farm grows romaine lettuce that opens up like a flower, unlike the compact hearts sold in bulk at chain stores. She said the open structure may help prevent bacteria growth associated with recalls. The farm sells to local restaurants, including Farm to Fit in South Daytona Beach, and advertises these partnerships to customers. Fletcher believes that helping local families supports the community and restores knowledge of where food originates.

A survey from the United States Department of Agriculture shows the price farmers received for fresh head lettuce dropped sharply during the outbreak. In June, the cost was $80.10 per 100 pounds. By July, that figure fell to $23.50. In August, the price rose slightly to $26.40 per 100 pounds. This was the latest data available at the time of the report. Although the CDC ended the outbreak, three new cases of cyclospora were reported in Central Florida after the announcement on September 11. One case occurred in Marion County and two in Volusia County.

Kevin Murphy, a professor at the University of Central Florida, noted that foodborne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella are common every summer. He said this cyclospora outbreak was distinct because the parasite is less known. Murphy suggested that the outbreak linked to a farm in Mexico is not surprising given the country's import history. He cited issues with field control, such as animal waste and floods, as potential sources for the parasite. He also mentioned that funding cuts could be a contributing factor to the occurrence of such events.