Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks connected to fresh produce have made the parasite newly relevant to growers, produce processors, food safety managers, and water treatment professionals.
One of the most common questions is: does chlorine dioxide kill Cyclospora?
Selectrocide does not currently carry an EPA-registered efficacy claim against Cyclospora. We are also not aware of any EPA-registered disinfectant that currently carries a specific Cyclospora claim.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness commonly associated with watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, cramping, and nausea.
People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter containing the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks have frequently been associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, berries, and other raw agricultural commodities. Cases typically peak between May and August. (CDC, FDA)
CDC states that no one fully understands exactly how Cyclospora enters food and water. This makes contamination prevention, water management, worker hygiene, and safe food handling especially important. (CDC)
Why Is There No EPA Cyclospora Claim?
EPA antimicrobial efficacy claims must be supported by appropriate pathogen-specific testing and reviewed before they can appear on an approved product label. (EPA)
Selectrocide has not undergone EPA-approved, Cyclospora-specific efficacy testing. We are also not aware of another EPA-registered disinfectant that currently lists Cyclospora cayetanensis on its approved label.
That does not prove chlorine dioxide could never affect Cyclospora under any conditions. It means there is currently no approved basis for marketing Selectrocide as killing or controlling the parasite.
If a product claims to kill Cyclospora, check its EPA registration number and approved label. If Cyclospora is not listed, the product does not carry an EPA-registered claim against it.
What Do CDC and FDA Say About Chemical Treatment?
CDC states that routine chemical disinfection or sanitization of food or water is unlikely to kill Cyclospora. CDC identifies avoiding food or water that may be contaminated with fecal matter as the best available method of prevention. (CDC)
FDA states that chlorine and other common antimicrobial chemical treatments are not effective against C. cayetanensis. FDA therefore emphasizes contamination prevention, agricultural water management, employee hygiene, sanitary facilities, and good agricultural and manufacturing practices. (FDA)
FDA specifically names chlorine, not chlorine dioxide. The two are different chemistries, so the FDA statement should not be presented as a direct finding about Selectrocide. However, CDC broadly states that routine chemical disinfection or sanitization is unlikely to kill Cyclospora. Without product-specific testing, neither source supports a Cyclospora efficacy claim for Selectrocide.
What Selectrocide Does Have
While there is no Cyclospora-specific claim, Selectrocide has several regulatory registrations and authorizations relevant to broader food safety and sanitation programs.
EPA Emerging Viral Pathogens Program
Selectrocide is listed under EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogens program, which applies to qualifying claims against certain emerging viruses. (EPA)
Cyclospora is a parasite, not a virus, so the EVP listing does not establish efficacy against Cyclospora.
EPA Registration and FDA Food Contact Notifications
Selectrocide is an EPA-registered antimicrobial product with approved sanitation and disinfection uses and holds FDA Food Contact Notifications covering specific produce and food-processing applications.
For example, FDA Food Contact Notification 1804 permits Selectrocide chlorine dioxide as an antimicrobial agent in water used to wash fruits and vegetables that are raw agricultural commodities. Other SMT notifications cover additional food-processing and food-contact applications. (FDA)
These registrations and notifications authorize specific uses of Selectrocide. They are not efficacy claims against Cyclospora.
How Can Cyclospora Risk Be Reduced?
Because routine sanitation cannot be relied on to eliminate Cyclospora, CDC recommends focusing on contamination prevention and safe food handling.
Recommended practices include:
- Washing hands before and after handling produce
- Washing produce thoroughly under running water
- Scrubbing firm produce with a clean produce brush
- Refrigerating cut or peeled produce within two hours
- Cooking produce to at least 158°F, or 70°C, when appropriate
CDC states that washing alone cannot guarantee removal of the parasite. Cooking produce to at least 158°F, or 70°C, can kill Cyclospora. (CDC)
For commercial growers and produce facilities, FDA recommends following established good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, agricultural water controls, worker hygiene procedures, and the Produce Safety Rule. (CDC, FDA)
Where Selectrocide Fits
Selectrocide can support a broader food safety and sanitation program through its approved produce, food-contact, sanitation, and disinfection uses. It should not currently be marketed as killing Cyclospora.
Facilities should continue focusing on agricultural and processing water quality, employee hygiene, sanitary facilities, equipment sanitation, and established food safety plans.
Learn more about Selectrocide for food safety and produce applications, or view the Selectrocide Kit for facility-scale sanitation.
Have questions about where Selectrocide fits into your food safety program? Contact Selective Micro Technologies at inquiry@selectivemicro.com or call 855-256-8299.
FAQ: Cyclospora and Chlorine Dioxide
Does chlorine dioxide kill Cyclospora?
Selectrocide does not currently carry an EPA-registered efficacy claim against Cyclospora cayetanensis. Without Cyclospora-specific testing and EPA approval, it should not be marketed as killing or controlling the parasite.
Does FDA say chlorine dioxide is ineffective against Cyclospora?
Not specifically. FDA states that chlorine and other common antimicrobial chemical treatments are not effective against C. cayetanensis. FDA does not specifically name chlorine dioxide or Selectrocide in that statement. (FDA)
Is chlorine the same as chlorine dioxide?
No. Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are chemically different antimicrobial chemistries with different properties and mechanisms of action. However, that difference alone does not prove chlorine dioxide is effective against Cyclospora.
Is there an EPA-registered disinfectant with a Cyclospora claim?
We are not currently aware of an EPA-registered disinfectant that lists Cyclospora cayetanensis on its approved label.
What kills Cyclospora on food?
CDC states that cooking produce to at least 158°F, or 70°C, can kill the parasite. Routine chemical disinfection or sanitization is unlikely to kill it. (CDC)
Is Selectrocide approved for use on produce?
FDA Food Contact Notification 1804 permits Selectrocide chlorine dioxide as an antimicrobial agent in water used to wash fruits and vegetables that are raw agricultural commodities, subject to the listed conditions and limitations. (FDA)
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Cyclosporiasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Cyclosporiasis and Cyclosporiasis Surveillance and Seasonal Trends.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cyclosporiasis and Fresh Produce.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Efficacy Requirements for Antimicrobial Pesticides.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance and Status for Antimicrobial Pesticides.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Contact Notification No. 1804, Selective Micro Technologies, LLC.