The trend of “eating local” and urban vegetable gardens is experiencing remarkable growth. Nevertheless, a garden salad or freshly picked strawberries, if not properly washed, can transmit intestinal parasites like Giardia or Toxoplasma. These organisms usually come from contaminated soil, untreated water, or contact with carrier animals.
The plants most affected are those in direct contact with the soil: lettuce, fresh herbs, root vegetables and berries. Toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic infection, poses a particular risk to unimmunized pregnant women.
