Arkansas Extension FCS - Washington Co.

Today I had the opportunity to work with our Washington County 4-H’ers during Project 4-H. We made three different flavors of beeswax lip balm: Mountain Dew, Root Beer, and French Vanilla. The participants definitely enjoyed getting to customize and pick from the produced lip balms.

Did you know you can make your own home canned condiments? NDSU Extension shares some fantastic recipes in this post.

What do you like on your burgers, hotdogs, tacos or other foods?

Our publication provides a collection of research-tested recipes for condiments, including barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, taco sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, pickle relish and pepper rings.

Make your own condiments >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/make-your-own-home-canned-condiments

Washington County has a 4-H Agent position open. Position information and the application are available through the Workday posting. https://wd5.myworkday.com/uasys/d/inst/1$9925/9925$131346.htmld

🚨 Cyclospora Update: Lab result corrected, recall still stands 🥬🚫

FDA has corrected an earlier lab result. A lettuce sample from Taylor Farms de Mexico reported positive for Cyclospora on July 18 was re-reviewed and determined to be a false positive. As of July 19, there are no confirmed positive product samples.

This DOES NOT change the recall. The recall was based on tracing illnesses back to the supplier, not lab testing alone, and it remains in effect. Continue to avoid recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, including Marketside-brand product sold at Walmart.

📍 As of July 17, the Arkansas Department of Health has reported 35 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state.

📋 Latest FDA update: https://www.fda.gov/.../investigation-5-state-outbreak...

🏥 Arkansas Dept. of Health updates: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/.../communic.../cyclosporiasis/

📖 Our full story: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/.../07-17-2026-ark...

🚨 Cyclospora Update: Lab result corrected, recall still stands 🥬🚫

FDA has corrected an earlier lab result. A lettuce sample from Taylor Farms de Mexico reported positive for Cyclospora on July 18 was re-reviewed and determined to be a false positive. As of July 19, there are no confirmed positive product samples.

This DOES NOT change the recall. The recall was based on tracing illnesses back to the supplier, not lab testing alone, and it remains in effect. Continue to avoid recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, including Marketside-brand product sold at Walmart.

📍 As of July 17, the Arkansas Department of Health has reported 35 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state.

📋 Latest FDA update: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

🏥 Arkansas Dept. of Health updates: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/communicable-diseases/cyclosporiasis/

📖 Our full story: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2026/july/07-17-2026-ark-cyclosporiasis.aspx

Cyclospora update (7/18/26): a recall has been issued. 🥬🚫

Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, including Marketside-brand product sold at Walmart. The recalled lettuce was distributed to 27 states between June 29 and July 16, 2026. This follows CDC and FDA identifying the supplier as the source of a Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

📍According to the Arkansas Department or Health, of 7/17/26, 35 cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported in Arkansas. For updates on state case numbers, visit:
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/.../communic.../cyclosporiasis/

✅ What to do: Check your fridge for recalled iceberg lettuce, especially Marketside brand. If you have it, toss it or return it to the store for a refund. Ordering at a restaurant? Ask about the source if you're unsure.

🔎With cases on the rise, misinformation about Cyclospora is spreading just as fast online. Swipe through for the facts: symptoms, spread, myths to ignore, and steps to protect your family.

📋 Full recall notice: https://www.fda.gov/.../taylor-fresh-foods-recalls...

📖 Our full story: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/.../07-17-2026-ark...

📌 Save this post and share with someone who needs it.

Arkansas Extension Family & Consumer Sciences At Home with UAEX

🚨 CYCLOSPORA UPDATE: Source has been identified 🔎🥬 CDC and FDA have traced a multistate Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. If you're in one of these states, skip the shredded lettuce at Taco Bell for now.

As of July 16, CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases across 34 states, including Arkansas, though it's not yet confirmed whether our cases are linked to this specific outbreak.

Extension food safety specialist Lida Araghi says "Washing produce can reduce contamination, but it may not remove all Cyclospora. For produce that can be cooked, heating it to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit or 70 degrees Celsius is the safest option because Cyclospora cannot survive at that temperature."

With cases on the rise, misinformation about Cyclospora is spreading just as fast online. Swipe through for the full breakdown: symptoms, spread, myths to ignore, and steps to protect your family.

📖 Full story: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2026/july/07-17-2026-ark-cyclosporiasis.aspx

📌 Save this post and share with someone who needs it.

Arkansas Extension Family & Consumer Sciences At Home with UAEX

Keep food safety in mind during fair season and beyond. 🎡

It is very easy to get a foodborne illness from unsafe practices at fairs. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/food_safety_at_the_fair

Changing habits, including being more active, can be challenging, but knowing, understanding, and remembering your WHY can help.

1. Think about a few reasons why being active might be important to you.

2. Now think about how important it is for you to be active: use a 0-10 scale to put a number on it

3. Why did you pick that number and not something lower?

Remembering why being active is important to you, especially when it feels more challenging to keep going, can help give you the strength to power through!

Summertime weather and activities bring us that much closer to ticks.

Avoid being a country song lyric (as fun as it is) and practice safety by:

✅ Wearing EPA-approved insect repellent

✅ Staying on trails

✅ Performing a tick check afterward

Read more: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/.../07-10-2026-ark-tick...

🎶 “I’d like to check you for ticks...” Brad Paisley made “Ticks” a country hit, but Arkansas experts would rather help you avoid them altogether. Before heading outdoors:

✅ Wear EPA-approved insect repellent
✅ Stay on trails
✅ Perform a tick check afterward

Read more: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2026/july/07-10-2026-ark-tick-prevention.aspx