Midland farmers market vendors take steps amid cyclosporiasis outbreak
Local farm owners share tips on washing produce as state, local health departments work to find outbreak source
MIDLAND, Mich. — Representatives of farms at the Midland Area Farmers Market say cyclosporiasis is not a major topic of conversation among their customers, but local vendors say they are aware of the ongoing outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal parasite illness that can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. Symptoms can appear days after someone eats contaminated food or drinks contaminated water.
As of July 8, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said 992 cases have been reported. The average amount of cases per year in Michigan is 50.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Michigan parasite outbreak tops 170 cases; source still unknown
Michelle Jorck, owner of Michelle’s Flowers and Produce, said she has increased her cleaning efforts.
“I’m just being more vigilant about keeping — at the end of the day, I’m cleaning everything off,” Jorck said. “We have coolers we keep some of our vegetables in, so I’m making sure I’m cleaning them out every time we reuse them with a light bleach solution.”
Vendors urge customers to wash all produce at home
Janet Heinz-Graczyk of Heinz Farm Market said cleanliness is a standard practice at her stand.
“Our produce is very nice and clean, well displayed,” Heinz-Graczyk said. “Our farm market gets painted every year. We disinfect all the tables with bleach.”
Heinz-Graczyk said she recommends customers wash their hands thoroughly and rinse all produce in their kitchen sink before eating.
Berries require special attention
Jorck said berries sold at the market are not pre-washed, and she urged customers to rinse them before eating.
“I do notice sometimes people like to eat the berries right after they buy them,” Jorck said. “But they aren’t washed — just so people know, none of the berries are washed. So it is best to take them home and rinse them before you eat them, even if they are local, because you just don’t know.”
Jorck said berries — particularly strawberries — are not washed before sale because rinsing them too early can cause them to spoil faster.
“That’s the 100% thing on your mind,” Jorck said. “Because we’re here for people to get their vitamins through their vegetables and fruits, and to eat healthy. So we want to make sure everything we sell is good.”
Both vendors said they have seen a steady stream of customers and expect increased business Saturday when the Midland Area Farmers Market celebrates its 80th anniversary.
The state and local health departments are working to determine the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Updates are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
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