Iowa State University Extension and Outreach states that Iowans should eat fresh produce, but handle it properly. The recent cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic illness, was determined by the Iowa Deparmtent of Public Health, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, local public health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration, to come from a pre-packaged salad mixture.

.According to the IDPH’s most recent case count, Washington County has one reported case of cyclospora.

According to the Extension office, it is not recommended that people wash prewashed bagged greens if they have a label that states ‘ready to eat.’ Consumers should wash hands and produce if not labeled otherwise.

For more information contact an ISU Extension and Outreach nutrition and health specialist.