Be careful what you eat! The most unsuspected foods that hide dangers

1. Raw fish

If it is not very fresh or if it is not stored properly, it may present health risks :

• Presence of parasites: Many types of fish can harbor parasites such as anisakis, which cause intestinal infestations with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Bacteria: Raw fish can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria and Vibrio, which can cause food poisoning with symptoms similar to those of parasitic infections, but more serious.

• Viruses: Some viruses may be present in raw fish, such as hepatitis A virus.

• Toxins: Some types of fish can accumulate natural toxins, such as tetrodotoxin found in puffer fish, which can be lethal.

To avoid these risks, you can freeze your fish before eating it raw into sushi rolls or into poke bowls.

2. Raw eggs

Consuming raw eggs, while a common practice in some culinary preparations, carries some not insignificant health risks :

• Salmonella: This bacterium can be present on the surface of the shell and, in some cases, penetrate inside the egg. If the egg is consumed raw, the bacterium can proliferate in the intestines causing salmonellosis.

• Other bacteria: In addition to Salmonella, other pathogenic bacteria can also contaminate eggs, increasing the risk of other infections.

You can pasteurise the eggs before making a carbonara or a tiramisu.

3. Contaminated fruits and vegetables

These foods can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or pesticide residues. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them is essential to avoid the following problems:

• Food poisoning: Bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Listeria can cause severe food poisoning with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and, in some cases, more serious complications.

• Viral infections: Viruses such as Hepatitis A can contaminate fruits and vegetables, especially if they are grown under poor hygienic conditions or irrigated with contaminated water.

• Parasitosis: Some raw vegetables, especially those grown in contaminated soil, can harbor parasites that, if ingested, can cause intestinal infections.

Wash them well before making a salad or a tart!

4. Fermented foods

Although fermented foods are widely recognized for their probiotic benefits, it is important to note that if not prepared or stored properly, they can present health risks:

• Proliferation of pathogenic bacteria: During fermentation, if conditions are not optimal, pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum can proliferate. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, one of the most potent known neurotoxins responsible for botulism.

• Contamination by other substances: In some cases, fermented foods may be contaminated with other harmful substances, such as heavy metals or mycotoxins, depending on the production conditions and raw materials used.

Be careful when making pickles!

5. Undercooked meat

Consuming meat, especially chicken, undercooked can expose you to several health risks, mainly related to the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Here are the risks:

• Food poisoning: Consuming undercooked meat can cause symptoms such as Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, Fever, Headache.

• Other infections: In rare cases, consumption of raw or undercooked meat may be associated with other infections, such as toxoplasmosis or trichinellosis.

Cook your meats well to prevent any health risk! Be careful when making chicken or meatballs!

Some tips for eating well without taking risks

• Buy from reliable producers: Choosing fresh, seasonal produce can reduce the risk of contamination.

• Store foods properly: Respect the cold chain and store foods under the conditions indicated on labels.

• Cook thoroughly: Cook foods well, especially meat, fish and eggs. In preparations involving raw eggs, there is always the option of pasteurizing them.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly: even if they are organic, it is always advisable to wash them thoroughly before consuming them.