Jersey Fresh Produce Not Linked To Diarrhea-Causing Parasite, Officials Say

As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to rise in New Jersey and nationally and causing concerns about eating fresh produce, Garden State officials say fruits and vegetables purchased from state growers are safe.

"The New Jersey Department of Agriculture wants to emphasize that no produce coming from New Jersey farms has been linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak," the department said in a statement on Wednesday. "To date, no New Jersey produce has been identified as a source of cyclosporiasis cases."

New Jersey has seen about 80 cases of the intestinal illness in 2026 caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People are almost always infected by consuming contaminated food, particularly fresh produce, or water, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

Case counts typically rise during the spring and summer months, and the cyclosporiasis season is considered to run from May 1 through Aug. 31, according to the NJ health department and the national Centers for Disease Control.

The diarrhea-causing parasite has sickened more than 1,600 people nationwide, according to the CDC.

Local, state and federal health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases spanning more than one state, according to the CDC, though a specific source has not been identified. New Jersey has not seen any clusters, the NJ health department said.

"Our Jersey Fresh farmers meet the high-quality standards imposed not only by their own compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) but also with the quality-grading standards of the Jersey Fresh program," NJ agriculture department officials said.

"The New Jersey Department of Agriculture will continue to keep the public informed about any produce categories growing in New Jersey that have been identified by health experts as being a risk," the statement said.

Food safety reminders

The health department gave a list of reminders to help people avoid becoming sickened:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, even if you plan to peel them.

• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating.

• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
  

Read more: Doctor Reveals How To Stay Safe From Foodborne Parasites In NJ