Why these warnings go viral
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The combination of a dramatic “doctor’s warning” plus a vague list of “4 foods” creates fear and curiosity, making people more likely to click and share before checking the source.
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Many such posts use stock images of raw shellfish, meat, or insects and offer no specific data, citations, or identifiable health authority behind the claim. When you trace them back, they often lead to marketing pages, not reputable medical or public‑health sites.
What experts actually say about parasites in food
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Parasites can be present in undercooked or raw animal products—such as some fish, shellfish, pork, and wild game—but standard food‑safety steps (proper cooking, freezing when recommended, clean handling) dramatically reduce risk.
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National food‑safety agencies emphasize cooking to safe internal temperatures, buying from inspected suppliers, and following hygiene guidelines instead of banning broad categories of food altogether.
