Fresh Herbs: The Overlooked Source of Salmonella and Cyclospora

When most people think of foodborne illness, they picture undercooked meat, raw seafood, or unwashed lettuce. Few realize that fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill have been linked to numerous outbreaks of serious pathogens. These small leafy garnishes often escape the same scrutiny that fruits and vegetables receive, yet they are just as capable of carrying harmful bacteria and parasites. Because herbs are usually consumed raw, the risks they carry reach the table without any cooking step to eliminate them.

Why Fresh Herbs Are Risky

Herbs grow close to the ground and are often irrigated with water that may be contaminated with animal waste or untreated sewage. They have delicate leaves with grooves and po

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