After five weeks of limiting produce, Michiganders are finally in the clear to have the fresh salad they have been craving. On August 6, 2026, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ended its recommendation to avoid eating lettuce and other produce out of concerns of cyclosporiasis.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness that comes from a microscopic parasite spread by food that has been contaminated with feces. This illness can take 2-14 days to present in the digestive system, making it hard to track down the source. The most common symptom is extended periods of diarrhea.
While the parasite is not uncommon in Michigan, this summer has shown record numbers of cases. Most summers in Michigan yield about 50 cases of cyclosporiasis, but 12,485 individuals have reported cases in the last six weeks as of August 6. 1,021 of those cases have been in Washtenaw County.
MDHHS previously advised avoiding fresh produce, specifically bagged lettuces and salad mixes, but after new cases have slowed, health department officials advise Michiganders to resume routine guidance for these items. This includes washing hands before handling food, washing produce thoroughly, and refrigerating items once they have been cut or cooked.
The department gave lettuce the clear after new cases began to slow. Because the incubation period takes an average of seven days, MDHHS can estimate that most exposures happened from late June to early July, and most, if not all, of the contaminated products have been recalled.
Washtenaw County Health Department made a post on Instagram Thursday declaring "You can eat lettuce again!" and explaining the new guidance.
For more information, visit MDHHS or the Washtenaw County Health Department's websites.
