This Brief provides a comprehensive overview of Trypanosoma cruzi, a
parasite that is traditionally considered as exclusively vectorborne,
but can be foodborne, and may lead to outbreaks of Chagas disease in
consumers. The characteristics of Trypanosoma cruzi and the clinical
effects of the disease are covered, including documented outbreaks,
regional patterns, and epidemiology. The various transmission routes are
outlined, but with specific focus on foodborne transmission. A major
emphasis of this text is contamination of fruit juices with Trypanosoma
cruzi in, a transmission vehicle with increasing significance in the
spread of this parasite. Also outlined is the difficulty of establishing
a protocol for detection in food samples. Results on survival of
Trypanosoma cruzi in food matrices is considered, as well as current
risk assessment procedures and regulations. Different approaches to
preventing transmission, including inactivation and decontamination are
introduced, but also the importance of targeted educational initiatives,
and also with a focus on future detection, prevention, and prevention of
contamination of foods with this parasite.