ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Inside the Allentown Farmer’s Market there’s a lot of chatter about fresh produce.
But added to the debate between grapes and cherry tomatoes comes the added questions about Cyclospora.
“They hear ‘produce, parasite’ and a lot of people just see that headline, and it’s not all produce,” said Paul Bedway with Bedway Fresh Fruit.
Experts say if you’re trying to avoid the parasite that’s caused explosive diarrhea in people in dozens of states, then local produce sellers like Bedway Fresh Fruit or Red Barn Produce are the way to go.
Bubba Swartley with Red Barn knows where every piece of produce he sells comes from.
“This all comes from a guy that’s on Church Road in Lancaster. I mean, his name’s Ivan. He’s a great dude,” said Swartley.
The outbreak has been linked to bagged greens and herbs processed in warehouses.
But here, most things are straight from local or regional farms.
Swartley says even though the farmers market has some of the safest produce around, the fear of Cyclospora is taking a bite out of business.
“I would say it’s probably 10% to 15% decrease right now. I don’t want to see it go to 30,” said Swartley.
Bedway says the economy and weather issues are also taking a toll.
So in addition to talking with customers about the sweetness of a watermelon, sellers gladly add food safety to their daily conversations.
“It should be a great part of your diet, and it shouldn’t be scary,” said Swartley.