Risk assessment report – foodborne toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a foodborne zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a single-cell parasite that is globally prevalent in warm-blooded animals. Eating insufficiently cooked meat is the main cause of infection in humans. Other transmission routes are exposure to contaminated water, vegetables or soil. A pregnant woman infected for the first time can transfer the parasite to her foetus, which in rare cases can lead to miscarriage. People with impaired immune systems such as cancer and transplant patients during treatment may contract encephalitis from an infection. However, most infected people are symptomless. Note: this report is published by the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) as part of their Report Series (www.livsmedelsverket.se/bestall-ladda-ner-material/sok-publikationer/artiklar/2019/l-2019-nr-14---livsmedelsburen-toxoplasmos)
SE; PDF; Efsa.focalpoint@slv.se