Are locally-grown fruits and vegetables safer? Experts explain

Produce items like lettuce have been linked to past cyclosporiasis outbreaks. Does buying at a farmers market help lower the risk?

While a nationwide surge in cyclosporiasis cases has many concerned about eating certain produce, experts say locally grown fruits and vegetables – like those sold at farmers markets –may be a safer option. Cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is usually spread through contaminated food such as produce items or water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency has confirmed more than 1,600 cases nationwide as of July 13, and it is working to verify more than 5,000 additional infections.

State officials have tallied higher totals so far. In Michigan alone, officials are tracking more than 3,700 infections as of July 15, according to the state's Health and Human Services department. CDC officials said on July 14 that cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky are likely linked.

While they have not yet determined what's causing the surge, officials in Michigan have indicated that they are looking into whether lettuce is the