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El Paso Restaurants Adjust to Rising Cyclospora Outbreak Fears

KVIA•Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 7:06 PM•CNN Newsource

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As cases of cyclospora, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal issues, rise across the U.S., restaurants in El Paso and beyond are adapting their menus. Many diners are opting to skip fresh produce, particularly salad ingredients, due to health concerns. Notably, a vegan restaurant in Detroit reported a $3,000 drop in sales over the past week, attributing this decline to customers' fears about eating out. Health experts recommend thorough washing of produce and suggest cooking it to kill the parasite, which has been linked to outbreaks in Michigan and Ohio. This situation raises concerns about food safety and the potential long-term impact on dining habits.

Key Details: • Health authorities recommend cooking produce to an internal temperature of 158 degrees to kill cyclospora. • Restaurants are seeing a noticeable decline in sales due to customer concerns over fresh produce. • Diners are advised to wash fresh produce thoroughly and consider alternatives like frozen or canned options.

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