What health risks are associated with eating citrus fruit?

Citrus fruits may harbor the food-borne pathogens E. coli and salmonella as a result of the way they are grown, harvested, processed, and distributed. Fruits can become contaminated from bird droppings, insects, water, and other environmental sources. Human hands can transfer these bacteria from fruit to fruit at any juncture in the food chain, up to and including the home.
 
These bacteria tend to reside on the skins of citrus fruits. Peeling or slicing the fruit can transfer the bacteria to the underlying flesh, causing illness if the fruit is consumed. Therefore, proper washing of citrus fruit is essential.
 
Because of their high acid content, citrus fruits are somewhat more resistant to spoilage bacteria than other fruits. They do, however, grow moldy after an extended period of time.
 
Source(s):
FDA "Produce Safety: Safe Handling"
 
Food-info.net "Do Orange Citrus Fruits Spoil Faster Than Yellow Citrus Fruits?"