Which parasite is known to cause infection from fresh produce contaminated by infected stool?

Prepare for the NSF Health Guard Food Manager Certification Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance your study experience. Get ready to ace your exam!

The choice of Cyclospora cayetanensis is accurate because this parasite is specifically associated with fresh produce, often linked to contamination with infected human stool. Cyclospora is a coccidian protozoan that can survive in the environment and can be transmitted through food that has been washed or prepared with contaminated water. It typically affects fruits and vegetables that are consumed raw, such as berries, lettuce, and herbs.

Cyclospora infections are particularly concerning in areas where these foods are often imported, and the use of contaminated water during irrigation or washing can lead to outbreaks. Awareness of Cyclospora's transmission routes is crucial for food safety, especially for food handlers and managers who are responsible for monitoring and preventing foodborne illnesses.

While Giardia and Cryptosporidium are also waterborne parasites that can lead to gastrointestinal infections, they are less frequently associated with fresh produce contamination compared to Cyclospora. Entamoeba is primarily linked with more serious infections involving amoebic dysentery, and while it can be transmitted via contaminated food or water, it is not as specifically associated with fresh produce as Cyclospora cayetanensis.

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