Cyclospora outbreak: Is it still safe to eat at restaurants? Here's what to know

While federal investigators continue to search for the source of the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, many people may be wondering what they should order when dining out.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite known to cause cyclosporiasis, Fox News Digital previously reported. The hallmark symptom of the infection is watery, "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cyclosporiasis is often caused by consuming contaminated produce. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce but later said the lab the agency used had produced a false positive.

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When it comes to eating at restaurants, it's important for consumers to remember that "science follows evidence, not headlines," said Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University in Boston.

"When people hear about an outbreak, it's natural to wonder whether they should stop eating out," Detwiler told Fox News Digital. "My answer is no. Consumers should approach dining out with informed awareness rather than fear."

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The restaurant where someone becomes ill is not necessarily where the contamination occurred, Detwiler said.

"Fresh produce often travels through a long and complex supply chain before it reaches a kitchen," he said.

"A restaurant may receive ingredients exactly as they were shipped from an approved supplier, while the root cause lies much farther upstream – in agricultural practices, water quality, processing or distribution. That's why food safety is a systems issue, not simply a restaurant issue."

The advice for going out to eat is straightforward, Detwiler said.

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"Stay informed about public health advisories and recalls, and if you're older, pregnant, immunocompromised or otherwise at higher risk, you may wish to choose cooked vegetables over raw leafy greens while investigators continue their work," he said.

"If you experience persistent diarrhea after eating fresh produce, seek medical care, as cyclospora requires specific treatment," he advised.

The science is working, Detwiler said, but "social media demands certainty long before the facts are fully known."

"Food safety is the top priority for the restaurant industry," the National Restaurant Association said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "In light of new information from the [FDA] that lettuce or leafy greens are likely the source [of] the outbreak, restaurant operators are coordinating with their suppliers to check their food sources and will make menu changes as needed."

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Restaurants are governed by the FDA Food Code, along with state and local regulations, to help staff "handle food properly and make appropriate food safety decisions," the Washington, D.C.-based organization added.

The bigger story isn't about a parasite, "it's about trust," Detwiler said.

Consumers should be asking how the outbreak happened and what is being done to prevent similar outbreaks in the future, Detwiler said.

No food system can promise zero risk, he pointed out.

"What we expect – and deserve – is accountability," Detwiler said. "Public confidence is built through transparency, not perfection."

"Ultimately, every foodborne illness outbreak asks the same question: Can consumers trust the system that produced and delivered their food?" he added. "How industry and public health leaders answer that question will shape public confidence long after this investigation is over."

Khloe Quill of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.