Determinación de escherichia coli/coliformes en lechugas expendidas en el mercado 10 de Agosto de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to determine the presence of E. coli/coliforms in lettuce sold at the “10 de Agosto” market in the city of Cuenca. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study encompassed all establishments selling lettuce at the 10 de Agosto market in Cuenca. Thirty samples of lettuce were collected in May 2023 for the identification of E. coli/coliforms, using Compact Dry plates. The fresh lettuce samples were also quantified for colony-forming units of E. coli/coliforms through observation and counting. RESULTS: Positive growth of total coliforms was observed in all the analyzed dilutions, with a higher proportion in the 1:1000 dilution (86.7% of the samples). Of the total coliform samples, 13.3% exceeded the maximum acceptable level for sale according to the Spanish Compilation of Microbiological Standards. However, all samples tested negative for E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of total coliforms was detected in the lettuce samples using Compact Dry EC plates, while E. coli was absent. The occurrence of coliforms ranged from 63.3% to 96.7% in the different dilutions. A total of 13.3% of the coliform samples exceeded the acceptable standards for human consumption. Maintaining strict hygienic practices and ensuring proper food handling is crucial to reduce the coliform load and protect consumer health.