business
Cyclospora parasite outbreak drives shoppers to local farmers markets for produce
By Amanda Roberts at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
A parasite called Cyclospora has sickened thousands of people across the country, according to the FDA, and it's now prompting some local shoppers to rethink where they buy their produce.The Franklin Farmers Market drew a crowd of shoppers scanning for one produce item in particular: lettuce.Rose...
Key takeaway Rose Creek Farms' Ray Tyler said his lettuce was flying off the table selling out nearly two hours earlier than usual.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The surge in shoppers at local farmers markets like the Franklin Farmers Market is a boon for Nashville 's agricultural community, and it underscores the value of having a robust network of local farms. As consumers become increasingly wary of large-scale industrial farming operations, they are turning to local farmers who can provide transparency and accountability. This trend is likely to benefit not just farmers like Ray Tyler and Cindy Delvin, but also the local economy as a whole. With Metro Health confirming only a handful of Cyclospora cases in the Nashville area, the demand for local produce is likely to continue, and farmers are gearing up to meet it. The fact that local farmers can respond quickly to changes in demand is a testament to the agility and resilience of Nashville's local food system, and it highlights the importance of supporting local agriculture to ensure a safe and reliable food supply.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A parasite called Cyclospora has sickened thousands of people across the country, according to the FDA, and it's now prompting some local shoppers to rethink where they buy their produce.The Franklin Farmers Market drew a crowd of shoppers scanning for one produce item in particular: lettuce.Rose...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amanda Roberts at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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