Study finds dangerous parasite eggs on locally grown strawberries
A study by the University of Tartu reveals that nearly 17% of strawberry samples contain eggs of a human-dangerous tapeworm, with highest contamination in Estonia, followed by Latvia and the Netherlands.
/nginx/o/2026/06/27/17746007t1hf793.jpg)
A recent study from the University of Tartu has uncovered a concerning finding: nearly 17% of examined strawberry samples contained eggs of alveococcus, a tapeworm dangerous to humans.
Professor Urmas Särma explained that the parasite is only a few millimeters long, but can cause serious health issues. Once infected, the larva migrates to the liver and encapsulates there. The parasite is spread by pets – eggs enter the soil or water through feces of infected dogs and cats.
According to the study data, among European-grown strawberries, Estonian samples had the highest number of eggs, followed by Latvia and the Netherlands. Researchers advise careful washing of berries before consumption.
