Ozark community center avoids lettuce on menu amid national recall, cyclospora outbreak

OZARK, Ala. (WTVY) -A national lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak is drawing attention at the local level, including at a community center in Ozark that feeds hundreds of children each day.

The Autrey Center, funded by the city of Ozark, serves breakfast and lunch to children 18 and under while they are on break. Center Manager Victoria Shaw said food safety is a constant consideration when planning meals.

Shaw said she has never included lettuce on the menu at the Autrey Center, and the latest recall reinforces that decision.

“One reason I don’t serve lettuce is because things just happen… like what just happened now with the bacteria in that lettuce. I want to keep our families safe,” Shaw said.

28 Alabama cases reported

As of Monday, 28 cases of cyclospora had been reported in Alabama.

Health officials are reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially when handling raw produce and before eating or preparing food.

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