What historical issue prompted the critical safety warning against eating raw fiddleheads?
Answer
A significant foodborne illness outbreak in 1994
The most critical piece of guidance regarding fiddlehead consumption is the strict requirement to never consume them raw or undercooked, which stems from documented historical incidents. A significant foodborne illness outbreak was directly traced to the consumption of raw or undercooked fiddleheads that occurred in the year 1994. While research into the exact mechanism causing the illness continues, the symptoms—including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches—can manifest rapidly after ingestion, reinforcing the necessity of rigorous preparation methods like boiling.
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