Dr. Ben Carson on Newsmax Friday urged Americans to take extra precautions with fresh produce, as federal health officials investigate a multistate Cyclospora outbreak that is believed to be linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states.

During an appearance on "National Report," Carson said consumers can significantly reduce their risk by thoroughly washing produce and practicing good hand hygiene while the outbreak is contained.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia as investigators work to trace the source of the outbreak.

Carson, the national adviser for nutrition, health, and housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said Cyclospora is a familiar foodborne parasite, though this year's outbreak has drawn greater attention because of its size.

"Cyclospora and these kinds of infections have been around all the time. They happen every year but not at this intensity," he said. "That's why the attention has been brought to it at this point in time."

Carson explained that the parasite is commonly found on the surface of fresh vegetables after contamination from water or other environmental sources.

"But the important thing to do is recognize that it's a parasite that sits on the surface of mostly vegetables," he said. "It's passed through fecally and it ends up on vegetables, in water supplies, and things like that."

The doctor emphasized that the illness is not easily spread between people, making proper food handling one of the best defenses.

"It's not easily transmitted from person to person, but it can be gotten through food taken in. And washing it thoroughly, washing your hands thoroughly before you handle foods, and after you handle foods is a very good thing," Carson said.

He predicted the outbreak should be brought under control if consumers and food-service operators remain vigilant.

"We will contain this over a period of time, as long as we're paying close attention to that," Carson said. “This is not going to be something we're going to be plagued with for months and months."

Asked whether Americans should be concerned about eating out at restaurants, Carson said the industry has already responded.

"Virtually all of the restaurants and fast-food places are aware of this and are taking extra precautions in terms of washing," he said.

Until the outbreak subsides, Carson recommended taking greater responsibility for food preparation at home.

"I would say spend as much time as you can until we're over this period of time washing and preparing your foods, and maybe spend a little less time depending on everybody else doing that for you," he said.

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