[Microbiological and parasitological contamination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from self service restaurants of Niterói city, RJ].

Thirty samples of lettuces from self service restaurants of Niterói were analyzed to detect bacteriological and parasitological contamination. Sixteen samples presented fecal coliform, 16 mesophilic aerobic microorganisms greater than 10(7) UFC/g and 3 cysts of Entamoeba coli. These data suggest the need of better orientation for food handlers regarding the hygiene of processed vegetables.