Just One Bite Can Be Harmful: The Hidden Dangers of Foodborne Parasites

Consuming raw shellfish isn’t just risky—it’s a gamble with your health.

👉 Steam, boil, or grill shellfish thoroughly. Discard any that don’t open during cooking.

3. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Even your innocent-looking produce can be a carrier. Soil or water contaminated with Giardia or Toxoplasma gondii can taint your fruits and vegetables. Improper handling and transport can introduce even more contamination.

• Toxoplasmosis is especially dangerous for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
• Giardiasis causes diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss.

👉 Always wash produce under running water. Use a brush for items like cucumbers or potatoes, and peel when possible.

4. Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Raw milk, cheeses, and yogurts can be contaminated with parasites like Cryptosporidium or Giardia, both of which are resistant to most basic cleaning methods. These can cause weeks of diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration.

👉 Choose only pasteurized dairy products. Check labels carefully.

5. Contaminated Drinking Water

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