What type of food is Trichinella spiralis commonly associated with?

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic roundworm that is primarily associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked wild game and pork. When these meats are improperly cooked, the larvae can survive and infect humans, leading to trichinosis, an illness characterized by gastrointestinal and muscular symptoms. The lifecycle of Trichinella spiralis involves domestic pigs and wild animals, such as bears and wild boars, which can harbor the larvae in their tissues.

Cooking meat thoroughly to the proper temperature is essential to ensure that any potential Trichinella larvae are killed, thus preventing transmission to humans. This specific association with undercooked meats distinguishes Trichinella spiralis from other foodborne pathogens that may be more commonly linked to a variety of other food types, such as fruits, vegetables, or processed meats.