Herbs in your kitchen could carry an unexpected risk: Why some herbs have been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks

Fresh herbs are a healthy addition to many meals, but they have also come under the spotlight during food safety investigations. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a multistate Cyclospora outbreak.


While investigators are still tracing the contaminated ingredient, fresh produce, including some herbs, has been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks in the past. The herbs themselves do not naturally carry the parasite; contamination can occur during growing or handling. Here are some herbs that have been associated with Cyclospora outbreaks and why.