Parasitic Contamination in Commonly Consumed Raw Vegetables: A Review Study

Raw vegetables are a great source of vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals and their regular consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and certain cancers. The consumption of raw vegetables without proper washing is an important route in the transmission of parasitic diseases. There has been an increase in the number of reported cases of food-borne illness linked to fresh vegetables. Soil-transmitted helminth infection is endemic in many parts of the world, principally in developing countries, where there is poor environmental sanitation and hygiene. The rate of parasitic contamination in vegetables is more during warm season than cold season. Food shops and food stalls need continuous monitoring and food handlers should receive suitable training in the basic principles of food safety as well as rules of personal hygiene and approved practices in food handling. Similarly, there is lack of food safety knowledge and practices among home food preparers. Though there is much evidence stating that parasites are transmitted through raw vegetables, more research is needed to be done in different geographic regions, especially in developing countries like India.