5 Foods That Can Carry Parasites — And How to Eat Them Safely

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2. Raw or Undercooked Fish (Sushi, Sashimi, Ceviche)

    • Risk: Can carry Anisakis (a parasitic worm) or liver flukes

 

 

  • Common in wild-caught fish not properly frozen
  • ✅ How to stay safe:
    • Eat sushi from reputable restaurants that follow FDA freezing guidelines
    • Freeze fish at -4°F (-20°C) for 7 days to kill parasites
    • Avoid raw fish if pregnant or immunocompromised

3. Fresh Produce (Leafy Greens, Berries, Herbs)

    • Risk: Can be contaminated with Toxoplasma, Giardia, or Cryptosporidium from soil or water

 

 

  • Outbreaks linked to lettuce, spinach, and raspberries
  • ✅ How to stay safe:
    • Wash all produce under running water (even if pre-washed)
    • Scrub firm produce like melons or cucumbers
    • Store in clean containers
    • Keep separate from raw meat

4. Raw or Unpasteurized Milk and Dairy

    • Risk: Can carry Cryptosporidium, Giardia, or Toxoplasma

 

 

  • Raw milk is not safer — it’s a higher-risk product
  • ✅ How to stay safe:
    • Choose pasteurized milk and cheese
    • Avoid raw dairy if pregnant, young, elderly, or immunocompromised
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