We often remind you of the importance of eating a healthy diet, with regard to weight management and prevention of chronic diseases. In particular, according to many studies eating your fruits and veggies can help you avoid heart disease and certain types of cancer.

But then you hear the news of yet another lettuce recall… How can you stay safe while focusing on fresh, healthy produce?

The latest recall involves bagged lettuce, which might harbor an intestinal parasite called cyclosporiasis. So far, 206 laboratory-confirmed cases of the infection have been reported in eight states. Luckily, no one has died of their parasitic infection, but 23 of the patients were hospitalized.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, cramping, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Without appropriate treatment, the infection can last from a few days to a month or more.

After last year’s recalls of romaine lettuce due to e coli contamination, you might be wondering if lettuce is just a risky food. Well, not really. Think of all the times you ate lettuce for months or even years without hearing of a recall!

There’s no need to give up eating healthy and delicious salads. Be vigilant and wash your lettuce even when the bag states it is pre-washed. Remember other food preparation rules, such as not reusing knives or cutting boards after you’ve used them for meats. And of course, wash your hands before handling fruits and veggies – especially when you intend to eat them raw..

If you’re more worried than usual, keep an eye on the news for recall alerts, by following the FDA’s recall page.  A little vigilance can go a long way toward keeping you safe and will make you feel more confident about the safety of your food.