Detroit vertical farm highlights food safety measures as Cyclosporiasis cases near 1,300
The farm says there are steps every consumer can take
Erik Yettaw, Photojournalist
Published: July 9, 2026 at 6:27 PM
DETROIT – State health officials reported nearly 1,300 cases of cyclosporiasis, raising concerns about contaminated food and water across the region
As investigators search for thes designed to keep that kind of contamination out entirely
Planted Detroit, a vertical farm on Mt. Elliott Street in Detroit, grows its produce entirely indoors in a clean, controlled environment
The setup limits exposure to outside contaminants, a design that’s drawing attention as cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise
“We do about 35 different varieties of greens,” said Darian Ahler, chief operating officer of Planted Detroit
Everything from romaine to arugula is grown inside the facility, where staff follow strict protocols before ever setting foot near the plants
A clean room approach to food safety
Visitors and workers alike must dress head to toe in personal protective equipment before entering the nursery
The precautions are similar to what you’d see in a medical setting
Before a seed ever goes into a tray, it’s tested for bacteria, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella
The farm also filters its water supply
“We do get municipal water as our supply, but that goes through a double filtration process,” Ahler said. “There’s a particulate filter as well as a UV filter that would kill anything that might come through.”
The farm’s small staff runs through that process repeatedly, scrubbing in before each session in the nursery, much like surgeons preparing for an operation
What makes this relevant now
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that can be transmitted through contaminated food and water
The outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, fresh basil, and bagged salad
Ahler says the farm takes its food safety standards seriously
“We’re extremely food safe here,” he said. “We have to adhere to high standards to make sure that we can be as safe as we can be, to make sure that nothing is possibly getting in the farm.”
A small operation with a big message
While Planted Detroit ships produce Monday through Friday, the farm acknowledges it can’t supply everyone in the region. Still, Ahler says there are steps every consumer can take
“Be careful what you’re buying, and make sure you wash everything thoroughly at home,” he said
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