Health officials urge extra care with fresh produce as Cyclospora illnesses rise nationwide

By Brittany Kleinpeter at WSB-TV (ABC) - News · July 14, 2026 · 2 min read

A parasite linked to fresh produce has sickened more than a dozen across Georgia, prompting health officials to remind consumers and restaurants to take extra precautions when handling fruits and vegetables.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]While the Georgia Department of ...

Why this matters in The Atlanta

The rise in Cyclospora illnesses across Georgia, particularly in the Atlanta area, has significant implications for local restaurants and consumers who prioritize fresh produce in their daily lives. As the summer months bring an increase in outdoor dining and fresh food festivals, it is crucial for Atlanta's food establishments to maintain stringent food safety practices. The fact that several Atlanta-area restaurants are already taking precautions, such as thoroughly washing produce and purchasing from trusted suppliers, is a positive step. However, the admission by some locally owned restaurants that they were unaware of the outbreak until recently suggests a need for better communication and awareness among local food handlers. As the Georgia Department of Public Health continues to monitor the situation, Atlanta residents can take simple steps to protect themselves, such as washing their hands and rinsing produce thoroughly, to reduce the risk of illness.

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Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 14, 2026 · Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News · Reading time: 2 min

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