Abstract

PAULA, Patrícia et al. Microbiological and parasitological contamination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from self service restaurants of Niterói city, RJ. Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. [online]. 2003, vol.36, n.4, pp. 535-537. ISSN 0037-8682.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0037-86822003000400019.

Thirty samples of lettuces from self service restaurants of Niterói were analyzed to detect bacteriological and parasitological contamination. Sixteen samples presented fecal coliform, 16 mesophilic aerobic microorganisms greater than 10⁷ UFC/g and 3 cysts of Entamoeba coli. These data suggest the need of better orientation for food handlers regarding the hygiene of processed vegetables.

Keywords : Lettuces; Bacteriological contamination; Intestinal parasite; Foods.