Is It Safe to Eat Romaine Lettuce? Food Safety Experts Weigh In

Should you wash your prewashed lettuce?

An infectious disease expert explains how to eat your greens safely during the 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Is It Safe to Eat Romaine Lettuce? Food Safety Experts Weigh In

With frequent recalls and a documentary on dirty food, you may wonder if you should avoid romaine lettuce. Here’s what you need to know.Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RDKey PointsWashing romaine lettuce under running water helps remove dirt and bacteria for safer eating.Bagged romaine labeled “ready to eat” or “triple washed” does not need additional washing.Romaine lettuce has vitamins A and K that support bone, eye and skin healt…

Should you wash your prewashed lettuce during the cyclospora outbreak?

A few sensible food safety practices can help people significantly reduce their risk of getting sick during the cyclospora outbreak. Prewashed lettuce should be washed, but a better option is buying a head of lettuce, ripping off the outside leaves and washing the rest of it.

Taylor Farms Urges Confidence in Fresh Produce After FDA Clears Lettuce

Taylor Farms says consumers should continue eating fresh fruits and vegetables after the FDA cleared its lettuce in the cyclosporiasis investigation.

Should You Wash Prewashed Lettuce? Here's How To Eat Greens Safely During the Cyclospora Outbreak

Salads — along with other fresh produce — are some of the healthiest foods you can eat. Leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C and K, folate, potassium and magnesium. They also contain lots of fiber, which supports a healthy gut microbiome, promotes fullness, helps regulate blood sugar, and may contribute to healthy aging and better cognitive function. But an ongoing 2026 outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite, has sickene…