Hidden dangers: How to safeguard your meals from parasites
Almost everyone knows that mould on the surface of food immediately disqualifies products. However, the topic of parasites often remains in the shadows, even though they can also pose a danger to health. It is enough to exercise a little caution and adhere to simple rules to avoid trouble.
Parasites are mainly associated with animals and visits to the vet. However, they can also appear in food, 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, in these foods, you can encounter nematodes and flukes, which is why pregnant women are advised to refrain from eating sushi. In oysters, you might also find the protozoan Bonamia exitiosa, which has not yet been fully studied by scientists. The most important rule is to buy products only from reliable sources that are tested and certified.
Game and pork
These meats should under no circumstances be eaten raw, as they carry a risk of parasite infection. This includes the armed tapeworm. If a person ingests the tapeworm eggs, larvae may develop in the body and penetrate the bloodstream. They can reach various tissues and organs with the blood, forming cysts (cysticercosis). Cysts can localise in different parts of the body, including the muscles, skin, and even in 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 may 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 preventive method is to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption. For some vegetables, such as 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 when travelling, it is worth being 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 travelling to countries with lower sanitary standards, exercise special caution regarding food and drinks. Choose safe sources for food and water.
How to avoid infection?
Cleanliness is the most important rule. Regularly wash your hands, disinfect countertops, cutting boards, dishes, and other kitchen utensils. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, fish, and vegetables.
Choose fresh fish and meat from trusted stores. 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.
