abstract
Fresh lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is the most consumed leafy vegetable in Brazil. Much purchased from local farmers' markets that lack adequate sanitary conditions. In this context, this study evaluated the quality of lettuce sold in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, regarding microbiological and parasitological standards. Results demonstrated microbial contamination with total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and mesophilic aerobic bacteria, with a notable presence of strains from the Enterobacteriaceae family such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter sp. Additionally, some samples were contaminated with Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., and/or nematode larvae, as well as exhibiting a high degree of dirt. Therefore, it is recommended to intensify sanitary inspections and raise awareness among producers and sellers about the importance of good practices from cultivation through commercialization to mitigate potential health risks to consumers.