DETERMINATION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION IN VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION IN YAZD PROVINCE

Background and Aim:Vegetables are one of the main nutrient baskets today, which is growing due to the growing awareness of its properties. Vegetables are a food category that improves gastrointestinal function and provides the body s essential nutrients and salts, however, can cause problems in the health of the individual and the community if they are not properly sanitized. This study was conducted to determine the amount of microbial contamination in commonly used herbs in Yazd provinceMethods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 samples from different area in Yazd city, which were selected random. The samples were tested for fecal contamination, Escherichia coli, using the microbiological tests, which were based on the Iranian national standards.Results:of 53 samples taken from the province, 78.8% of them were positive for determining the rate of fecal contamination (Escherichia infection)Conclusion:Due to the growing trend of increasing the consumption of vegetables, especially raw vegetables, more care is needed in the washing process because of the lack of proper sanitation, the emergence of problems for the general health of the community and the outbreak of foodborne diseases

Keywords:

Vegetables- E.coli