Beware uninvited guests: Protecting your plate from parasites
Almost everyone knows that mold on the surface of food immediately disqualifies products. However, the topic of parasites remains in the shadows, and they too can be dangerous to health. By exercising a little caution and adhering to simple rules, you can avoid trouble.
Parasites are mainly associated with animals and visits to the veterinarian. However, they can appear in food, later wreaking havoc in the body. Special attention should be given to several products that parasites particularly favour.
Raw fish and seafood
Sushi, sashimi, or ceviche are delicacies considered quite exclusive. However, you can encounter nematodes and flukes in them. Pregnant women are often advised to refrain from eating sushi for this reason. Oysters can also contain the protozoan Bonamia exitiosa, which scientists have not yet fully studied. The most important rule is to buy products only from reliable, tested, and certified sources.
Game and pork
Under no circumstances should these meats be eaten raw, as it involves the risk of parasite infection. This includes the armed tapeworm. If a person swallows the tapeworm eggs, larvae may develop in their body, which penetrate the bloodstream. They can reach various tissues and organs with the blood, forming cysts (cysticercosis). Cysts can localize in different parts of the body, including the muscles, skin, and even the eyes and brain. This can lead to seizures, headaches, neurological disorders, loss of vision, and even death. Equally dangerous is trichinosis, a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella.
In undercooked meat, you can also encounter the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. It is most commonly found in pork or lamb.
Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Dirty fruits and vegetables are a paradise for parasites. They can contain Giardia, hookworms, human roundworm eggs, and pinworms, as well as the aforementioned Toxoplasma gondii and tapeworms. The most important prevention method is to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption. For some vegetables, like lettuce and spinach, it is recommended to separate the leaves and rinse them individually.
Food from an unreliable source
While street food can be a wonderful way to explore local flavours during travels, it's important to be cautious. Sanitary conditions and food preparation standards in such places often differ from those we are accustomed to. Limited access to clean water, insufficient sanitation, and waste disposal contribute to the spread of parasite eggs and cysts in the environment. Additionally, in warmer tropical climates, many parasites have ideal conditions to develop and survive.
When traveling to countries with lower sanitary standards, exercise special caution regarding food and drinks. Choose safe sources for food and water.
How to avoid infection?
The most important rule is cleanliness. Regularly wash your hands, and disinfect countertops, cutting boards, dishes, and other kitchen utensils. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, fish, and vegetables.
Choose fresh fish from trusted stores, as well as meat. Cook pork, game, and poultry to a safe internal temperature. Freezing meat can kill some parasites, but not all (e.g., the trichina worm is more resistant to freezing). Thermal processing is reliable. Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
