Avaliação microbiológica e parasitológica de alfaces (Lactuca sativa L) comercializadas em feiras livres no município de sobral – ce

The lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) belonging to the family Asteraceae, is a leafy vegetable most consumed in Brazil. This has low calorie and high nutritional value so it is used in various types of diets. To maintain their properties must be consumed fresh, is an important vehicle of contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and parasitological quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) sold in fairs free of the city of Sobral - CE. Four lettuce samples of curly variety were collected in three different fairs, making a total of twelve samples. The analysis were performed at the Microbiology Laboratory of the State University Valley Acarau. Microbiological analysis was performed by determining the Most Probable Number (MPN) of total coliforms and thermotolerant through the fermentation method in multiple tube and is used for the standard plate count Technique Pour Plate and ImVic test for species identification Enterobactericeae family. The methodology used for parasitological analysis was then to wash sedimentation and centrifugation. 100% of the analyzed samples showed fecal coliform levels above those permitted by law, identified ten species of bacteria Enterobactericeae family. 91% of the parasitological analysis of samples was observed the presence of parasites such as Ascaris sp. and Entamoeba sp. Considering the results, it is evident low sanitary conditions, being necessary to the attention of producers and consumers proper hygiene in order to reduce the transmission of certain diseases transmitted by contaminated food.