Fox tapeworm risk from garden berries minimal, experts advise washing

Eggs of the fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) can adhere to low‑growing berries such as raspberries, blackberries and wild strawberries. The parasite is spread through the faeces of infected foxes, and while the eggs may theoretically contaminate garden produce, human infection is rare.

German nutrition scientist Daniela Krehl of the Consumer Center Bavaria notes that only about 40‑50 new cases are diagnosed annually, mainly in southern Germany and neighboring regions of Austria, Switzerland and France. The low individual risk can be further reduced by washing berries before consumption and washing hands after gardening or soil contact, especially for children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.