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Symptoms if contaminated: Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or, in severe cases, parasitic infection.
How to make it safe: Wash thoroughly, soak in water with a little vinegar, or cook lightly by steaming or sautéing.
Even farm-fresh greens can carry microscopic parasites, so a little care goes a long way.
2. Carrots
Carrots are often eaten raw in salads, but they can sometimes contain small worm larvae or bacterial contamination.
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Why it happens: Worms and their eggs can live in the soil and penetrate the carrot during growth.
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Risks: Eating infested carrots raw may lead to parasitic infections, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea.
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Safer alternative: Peel the carrot, wash thoroughly, and cook lightly in boiling water, steaming, or roasting.