TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Trips to the grocery store are still filled with trepidation and anxiety for some as national concerns over a parasite outbreak still linger, despite word from officials that the outbreak is under control.
Mixed messaging over the exact source of the outbreak has produce managers at grocery stores scratching their heads.
At Community Co-Op Market in Tallahassee, it’s business as usual.
The colorful spectrum of the fresh produce aisle has been the site of many questions from customers. Community Co-Op Market Produce Manager Hope Galvin said she’s had customers ask what’s safe to eat and what they can do to protect themselves from cyclospora.
Galvin says customers can opt for whole head lettuce and should always wash their greens.
“I would say please do this practice always no matter, but especially now,” Galvin said. “If you’re going for any other produce, scrub the outside, clean it well.”
Galvin says she’d love to know for certain the cause of the outbreak and that it can be difficult for the customer to really understand where produce is coming from.
“Part of the issue with produce is you have a lot of kind of, mega conglomerations when it comes to that, and there is a lot of overarching names,” Galvin said.
She encourages people to opt for local produce when possible.
“It’s really important to support local food systems when you can,” she said. “When you can shop local, you know where it’s coming from.”
She also says hydroponic lettuce is a good option, right now, for peace of mind.
Galvin says customers should feel free to ask their grocer about their suppliers while shopping.
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