MOREHEAD, Ky. — As schools across Kentucky prepare to welcome students back to the classroom, Rowan County Schools is taking proactive steps following a multi-state Cyclospora outbreak linked by federal health officials to imported iceberg lettuce.
Assistant Food Service Director Jessica Kiser said the district has removed lettuce and tomatoes from school menus at the start of the school year as a precaution while officials continue monitoring guidance from public health agencies.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can lead to prolonged diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. According to federal officials, the current outbreak has been associated with certain imported iceberg lettuce products.
Rather than waiting for additional recommendations, Rowan County Schools has already adjusted its menus and is working to secure alternative fresh produce for students.
Kiser said the district expects to have replacement produce available early in the school year through different procurement sources.
She also emphasized that food safety remains a top priority, particularly for younger students. School nutrition staff follow strict food handling procedures designed to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, and those practices will continue as the situation develops.
The Cyclospora outbreak has prompted school districts throughout Kentucky to review their food purchasing practices. Some districts report they are continuing normal operations while monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while others, including Rowan County, have chosen to temporarily remove certain produce items from their menus out of an abundance of caution.
Federal and state health officials continue to investigate the outbreak and will provide additional guidance if further menu changes become necessary.
Parents with questions about school meal menus are encouraged to contact Rowan County Schools' food service department or their child's school for the latest information.
Source: WKYT