Prevalence of helminth eggs in raw vegetables consumed in Burdur, Turkey

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in raw vegetables consumed in Burdur, Turkey. The presence of helminth eggs on raw vegetables, including lettuce, parsley, green onions, cucumbers, carrots, cress, peppermint, spinach, leek, dill, and rocket from Bazaars in Burdur, Turkey was determined. A total of 111 raw vegetable samples were randomly selected from the bazaar and then were examined by a concentration method and assayed by light microscopy. Helminth eggs were detected in 7 (6.3%) of 111 raw lettuce, parsley, carrots, cress, peppermint, spinach, and rocket samples (p > 0.05). No helminth eggs were detected in leek, cucumbers, dill, and green onions. Parasitological contamination of raw vegetables sold in bazaar in Burdur may pose a health risk to consumers of such products. The importance of adequate measures throughout the farm-to-table food chain was emphasized.