Ocorrência de parasitas em hortaliças cultivadas nos sistemas orgânico e convencional comercializadas em Bento Gonçalves, RS

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the parasitological contamination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), arugula (Eruca sativa) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea) cultivated in two production systems (conventional and organic) marked in free fairs and markets located in the municipality of Bento Gonçalves, RS. This is an observational, descriptive and qualiquantitative study. For that, a total of 120 vegetable samples were acquired and processed by the spontaneous sedimentation method described by Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ). Among the samples analyzed, 70% tested positive for some type of parasite. In general, a higher rate of parasitological contamination was observed in vegetables grown in the conventional system compared to the organic, corresponding to 71,7% and 68,3%, respectively. Considering the local where vegetables were acquired, parasitological contamination was found in vegetables from free fairs and also from markets. Among the parasites identified in the samples, hookworms were the most frequent helminth and was present in 98.8% of positive samples. From the data obtained in this study, it is important to aware the population, especially the food handlers, on the correct hygiene and sanitization of vegetables in order to avoid the dissemination of parasites.