How local farms are responding to growing Cyclospora concerns

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — A nationwide Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated produce is prompting some Coachella Valley shoppers to think twice before filling their carts.

Local farmers say they're seeing growing concern from customers who want to know more about how produce is grown, cleaned and handled before it reaches their tables.

At Temalpakh Farm in Coachella, Marco Giron, farm operations manager, says those conversations have become much more common in recent weeks.

"We've seen a lot of customers wondering or just curious about how we handle our produce," Giron said. "We reassure them that the outbreak isn't happening here."

Giron says the farm is using the increased attention to educate customers about the food safety measures already in place.

"We have a whole process how we wash our produce," Giron explained. "Since we are a 100 percent organic farm, there goes a little bit more into washing the produce. We have organically certified sanitizers and products that we're allowed to use, and that gives us extra protection against bacteria, mold or fungus that can develop on our produce."

He says food safety doesn't end at the farm. Proper handling at home is also an important step in reducing the risk of illness.

"Wash thoroughly with clean, cool water, and make sure you wash your hands also before that because a lot comes from when your hands are not clean," Giron said.

As questions about food safety continue, Giron encourages shoppers to buy directly from local farms and farmers markets whenever possible.

"For now, just be careful where you get your groceries from," he said. "I suggest buying local. It's a safer procedure rather than buying produce where you don't know where it's coming from."

Health officials continue to investigate the source of the nationwide outbreak. Cyclospora can cause prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.