Assessment of the microbiological quality and heavy metal risk in vegetable species marketed in outdoor fairs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible health risks associated with the content of heavy metals and microorganisms in the consumption of watercress, lettuce, lemon balm and taraxaco. The products were purchased in several markets in the city of Quito. In this study, the products marketed in the north and center of the town showed better size characteristics, while the soluble solids, pH and ash showed no definite behavior. In addition, due to the volcanic origin of the Ecuadorian soils in which the samples under study were grown, it could influence the lead content that varied between 0.02 ppm (taraxacum, lemon balm and lettuce) up to 2.60 ppm (watercress). This value exceeded the maximum limit allowed by the CODEX, becoming a health risk. In addition, the microbial quality of the different species under study showed high contamination with mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and parasites. These results provide valuable information that could finance food safety decisions by the government to protect health and improve the quality of life of the people of Quito. Keywords: food safety, mesophilic aerobic, parasites, lead, Cadmium