Evaluation of Parasitic Pollution in Fresh Unwashed Herbs Sold in Izeh City, Iran

Background: Fresh herbs are a crucial part of a good diet. However, they can easily become contaminated with food-borne pathogens. Eating fresh unwashed or improperly washed herbs has a major role in transmission of some important parasitic diseases. Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate parasitic pollution in fresh unwashed herbs sold in Izeh city, Iran. Materials and Methods: Four hundred samples of fresh unwashed herbs were purchased from a distributor in Izeh city during January ۲۰۱۴ to April ۲۰۱۵. Detergent solution was added to ۲۴۰ g of each sample. The mixture was shaken and washed solution was filtered through ۰.۲ µm bottle-top filter. The filtrate was discarded and filter was placed in a ۵۰ mL conical screw cap tube. Then, the detergent solution was added. Following vortex, filter was discarded. The sediment was examined by light microscope after centrifuge. Finally, data descriptive analyses were carried out. Results: Parasitic pollution was detected in ۳.۵% of the examined samples, including Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst (۱.۵%), Giardia spp. cyst (۱%), Blastocystis spp. cyst (۰.۵%) and Taenia spp. egg (۰.۵%). Conclusions: Parasitic contamination of fresh herbs sold in Izeh may pose a health risk to consumers if eaten as unwashed or improperly washed.