Jul 31, 2026 - Health

Michiganders: Are you avoiding lettuce?

Annalise Frank

A close-up shot of a plastic package of spring mix lettuce greens — Packaged greens displayed for sale. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

With cases of cyclosporiasis continuing across Michigan, we're wondering what kind of steps you're taking — if any — to try and avoid the diarrhea-inducing illness.

State of play: Health officials say lettuce and bagged salads are likely the culprits, but investigations are ongoing and other fresh produce can't be entirely ruled out, per the state health department.

What the health department recommends:

Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-cut lettuce and greens.
Remove the outer leaves and wash thoroughly.
Restaurants should do the same, and if diners are concerned, they could ask how the kitchen is handling raw greens.

Between the lines:

Cooking produce to a temperature of at least 158 degrees kills cyclospora.
Peeling is an effective way to avoid the parasite, but make sure to wash before cutting into the fruit or vegetable.

By the numbers: Michigan recorded 10,386 cases as of Thursday, with 193 people, or just under 2%, reporting they'd been hospitalized.

📬 Email [email protected] to let us know how you're thinking about and handling the outbreak. Avoiding all fresh veggies? Just lettuce? Still eating, but washing? Or just doing the same as you always would?

Provide your first name and last name initial to be included in a future newsletter.

💭 My thought bubble: This week I ordered tacos without cilantro and had my comfort meal — a bowl from My Big Fat Shawarma — without lettuce. Truly a sad state of affairs.

I don't mean to suggest restaurants aren't taking precautions. It's just a tough risk to take when cyclosporiasis sounds so awful.

Add Axios on Google

Michiganders: Are you avoiding lettuce?

More Detroit stories