Microbiological and parasitological quality of Lactuca sativa L. sold at farmers' markets in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
Luiz Cláudio Kehdi Guimarães, Matheus Lemos de Resende, Giovanna Ribeiro, Roberta Mujarkch Paula Guimarães, Ana Laura Miranda de Almeida, Roberta Neves Domingues, Milenna Santos de Oliveira, Dhiego Gomes Filemon Bernardes, Jorel Antônio Rodrigues de Miranda, Thayles de Lima Benedito, Giselle Regina da Silva, Isadora Engel Marques, Maressa Mendes Praxedes, Matheus Mendes Naves, João Victor Marciano Ramos, Gabriella Guizzetti, Davidson Mesquita Neves, Osvaldo Ramos de Oliveira, Gina Maria da Silva and Edvande Xavier dos Santos Filho
Fresh lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is the most consumed leafy vegetable in Brazil. Much purchased from local farmers' markets that lack adequate sanitary conditions. In this context, this study evaluated the quality of lettuce sold in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, regarding microbiological and parasitological standards. Results demonstrated microbial contamination with total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and mesophilic aerobic bacteria, with a notable presence of strains from the Enterobacteriaceae family such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter sp. Additionally, some samples were contaminated with Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., and/or nematode larvae, as well as exhibiting a high degree of dirt. Therefore, it is recommended to intensify sanitary inspections and raise awareness among producers and sellers about the importance of good practices from cultivation through commercialization to mitigate potential health risks to consumers.
Luiz Cláudio Kehdi Guimarães, Matheus Lemos de Resende, Giovanna Ribeiro, Roberta Mujarkch Paula Guimarães, Ana Laura Miranda de Almeida, Roberta Neves Domingues, Milenna Santos de Oliveira, Dhiego Gomes Filemon Bernardes, Jorel Antônio Rodrigues de Miranda, Thayles de Lima Benedito, Giselle Regina da Silva, Isadora Engel Marques, Maressa Mendes Praxedes, Matheus Mendes Naves, João Victor Marciano Ramos, Gabriella Guizzetti, Davidson Mesquita Neves, Osvaldo Ramos de Oliveira, Gina Maria da Silva, Edvande Xavier dos Santos Filho. Microbiological and parasitological quality of Lactuca sativa L. sold at farmers' markets in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Int J Adv Res Community Health Nurs 2024;6(1):179-184. DOI: 10.33545/26641658.2024.v6.i1c.183