Passionately Raw!

  The recent Cyclospora scare in the United States that spread across 45 states and affected thousands of people, left some raw food lovers wondering about the safety of the greens they are buying since the outbreak was linked to contaminated lettuce. Cyclospora species are not the only parasites that can contaminate raw vegetables or fruits so the concerns are not exaggerated.  The most common species are Ascaris (roundworm) Cryptosporidium and Giardia Cyclospora cayetanensis E. coli  Salmonella There are of course other microbes and parasites that affect raw milk and cheeses made out of raw, unpasteurized milk, raw eggs, and raw or undercooked fish, meat and poultry. Raw food omnivores must be extra careful where they obtain the produce they consume raw.  Consumption of contaminated produce results in foodborne illness with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and nausea. Young children and older adults are especially vulnerable.   To minimize exposure to con...