Parasitic contamination of raw salad vegetables in local markets of Dhaka: health risks and hygiene practices of vendors

Fresh salad vegetables are essential for good health and they form a major component of human diet in every family in Nigeria. Raw vegetables can be agent of transmission of intestinal parasites. The aim of this study is to determine the parasitic contamination of salad vegetables sold at wholesale and retail markets around Ilorin metropolis. A total of 150 samples of salad vegetables obtained from five different markets were examined for both protozoa and helminth parasites using standard methods. About 25 samples each of lettuce, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, tomato and onion were examined. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar , Enterobius vermicularis, cysts of Giardia lamblia, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Balantidium coli and Necator americanus were detected in 28.0%, 23.3%, 11.7%, 5.0%, 6.7%, 3.3%, 10.0%, 3.3% and 8.3% respectively. Of the sampled areas, Ipata market recorded the highest parasite prevalence of 63.3% while G.R.A market recorded the lowest parasite prevalence of 13.3%. The most encountered parasite was A.lumbricoides (28.0%) while N.americanus was the least (3.3%) parasite found. The study revealed a high rate of protozoa and helminthes contamination of salad vegetables in the study areas. Parasitological contamination of raw salad vegetables sold in wholesale and retail markets in the study area may pose a health risk to consumers of such products. Keywords: Parasitic, Salad vegetables, Contamination, Ilorin, Nigeria.

We conducted a study to determine the extent of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables distributed by wholesalers in villages of Qazvin Province, Iran. Vegetables collected for the study were leek, parsley, lettuce, coriander, radish, spring onion, tarragon, basil, spearmint, and cress. Samples of each vegetable were collected at monthly intervals for 6 months from May to October 2008, yielding a total of 654 samples. Samples of each vegetable collected at each monthly interval were selected randomly and allocated to be washed or to remain unwashed before being analyzed for parasitic contamination. Of the 654 samples collected over the study period, 218 samples were analyzed for parasitic contamination without washing and 436 were washed before being analyzed, with the wash procedure consisting of submersion in a solution of 200 ppm of calcium hypochlorite and rinsing in an automated vegetable washer for 10 minutes. The samples were analyzed according to the method used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for identifying parasitic contamination of raw fruits and vegetables, with specimens weighing 200 g each being prepared from the vegetable samples, followed by sonication of each specimen for 10 minutes in 1.5 L of detergent wash solution, collection and centrifugation of a 50-mL aliquot of the wash solution for 15 minutes at 1500 g, and examination of the resulting sediment for parasites by light microscopy. No parasitic contamination was found on any of the 436 washed samples of vegetables. Of the 218 unwashed samples of vegetables, 82 (37.6%) were found to be contaminated with parasites, of which 69 (31.6%) were contaminated with metazoa (helminth eggs in 9.6% and rhabditoid larvae in 22.0%), and 13 (6.0%) were contaminated with protozoa (Entamoeba coli cysts in 2.8%, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar cysts in 1.4%, and Giardia lamblia cysts in 1.8%). The difference in parasitic contamination of the washed and unwashed groups of vegetables was significant at p < 0.05. Helminth eggs detected in unwashed samples included those of nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides [2.3%], Trichuris trichiura [0.9%], and Trichostrongylus spp. [2.8%]), trematodes (Dicrocoelium dendriticum [1.4%]), and cestodes (Taenia spp. [1.8%] and Hymenolepis nana [0.5%]). The eggs recovered in greatest number were those of nematodes (n = 13), followed by those of cestodes (n = 5) and trematodes (n = 3). No helminth eggs were found on unwashed samples of spearmint, tarragon, coriander, or radish. The percent parasitic contamination of unwashed samples was highest for leek (66.7%) and lowest for radish (20.7%). The highest percent parasitic contamination was with rhabditoid larvae (22.0%) and the lowest with H. nana eggs (0.5%). These findings emphasize the importance of properly washing and disinfecting raw vegetables before they are consumed.

Background: Raw vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, but when consumed without proper washing, they can serve as carriers of parasitic infection. An experimental study was conducted in Bushehr to investigate the parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and the effect of four different washing methods on their contamination. Methods: A total of 299 fresh vegetable samples from 10 types of leafy and salad vegetables, including parsley (30), leeks (30), mint (30), basil (30), cress (30), radishes (29), purslane (30), lettuce (30), green bell peppers (30), and edible mushrooms (30), were purchased from 23 vegetable and fruit wholesale or retail stores located in different geographical areas of Bushehr city during three different seasons (2017–2018). The samples were divided into two groups: one was left unwashed (method 1), and the other was washed using a traditional washing method (method 2). Microscopic examination for the presence of parasites was performed on a direct wet mount. Then, positive samples were further subjected to a 3-Step washing method (water, detergent, water—method 3) and a 4-Step standard washing method (water, detergent, disinfectant, water—method 4), respectively. Parasitic contamination was investigated in the samples washed using all methods. Results: Of the 299 examined samples, parasites were observed in 8.4% of the unwashed samples and 3% of the traditional washing method samples, and not in samples after washing with methods 3 and 4. A significant relationship was found between parasitic contamination and washing methods. All types of vegetables tested had at least one parasitic contamination. The highest rate of parasitic contamination was found in cress (20%), and the lowest contamination was found in leeks (3.3%). The highest rates of seasonal parasitic contamination were found in autumn (12.8%). Conclusion: Parasitological contamination in unwashed and traditionally washed raw vegetables may pose health risks to consumers. Public education on proper vegetable washing methods is recommended to raise community awareness about the health risks associated with consuming unwashed or inadequately washed contaminated raw vegetables.

Fresh and raw vegetables may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the level of parasitic contamination in vegetables which are consumed raw in Aden governorate, Yemen. This is a descriptive analytic cross-sectional study in which six local markets were randomly selected. A total of 216 fresh vegetable samples including parsley (Petroselinum sativum), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), leek (Allium porrum), green onion (Allium cepa), and tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) were purchased from the selected markets and analysed using direct and iodine wet mount smear preparation. Modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Zinc sulphate flotation method were also used. Smears were examined by under the light microscope. Out of 216 vegetable samples, 166 (76.9%) were contaminated with one or more parasites. Parsley was the most contaminated (97.2%), followed by watercress (94.4%), lettuce (88.9%), leek (80.6%), green onion (77.8%), whereas the least contamination rate was in tomato (22.2%). Statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination rate was found between different types of vegetables (P &lt; 0.05). The most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 75 (24.4%), followed by cyst of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 64 (20.9%), and Entamoeba coli 52 (16.8%). Significant difference was reported in prevalence rate between different parasitic species (????&lt; 0.05). Vegetable samples collected from Dar Saad market, show the highest contamination rate (94.4%) while vegetables collected from Al Mansura market showed the lowest contamination rate(50.0%). However, the parasitic contamination rates were not significantly different for samples collected from different markets. This study highlighted the importance of raw vegetables as the potential source of transmission for intestinal parasites to humans. Prevention methods such as proper washing or cooking of vegetables before consumption should be conveyed to consumers. In addition, comprehensive health education and hygienic practices, including washing hands after handling vegetables, should be provided to sellers and consumers.

The risk of disease spread through water, fruits and vegetables contaminated through unclean waters varies from region to another. Springs and underground water resources are essentially free of germs or they have tolerable levels of germs; unless they are infected by surface water or human excreta. Scientific reports have shown that outbreaks of food-borne illnesses especially foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables are rising. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of washing procedures in eliminating of microbial and parasitic contamination of vegetables consumed in Ilam city. Multiple samples of vegetables were collected from five regions of the city (North- South- West- East- Center) about 1 kg from each shop and transferred to the laboratory. Then we put apiece in a dish containing five liters water; vegetable was washed into it and a sample was collected. Then we added to dish, 20 drops of dish soap and mixed it for a few minutes so that all of vegetable dipped in the foam. After a few minutes, the vegetable were washed with pure water. Another sample was collected from sewage of this water. For detection of microbes, we used two methods: formalin eater and direct microscopic observation. 86 samples were collected from five regions of city. 40.6% of them had parasitic contamination in scantling water of washing with pure water, and 43% had parasitic contamination in scantling water of washing with dish soap. 70.9% of them had parasitic and bacterial contamination in both wastewaters. There was no significant difference between washing with water and washing with dish soap for parasitic or bacterial contamination. Methods of washing in some types of vegetable may reduce effectively parasitic infection; but we found that washing with dish soap didn’t have any significant effect on reduction of microbial contamination.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infection via vegetables consumed in Isfahan in 2011. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 120 samples of vegetables were collected from 12 sites in the vegetable supply of Isfahan. Then samples were washed carefully with the detergent, the solution condensed with the Sheeters flotation method and ether Ritchie method in case of detecting parasites with microscope. Statistical analysis was done with Excel and SPSS software. Results: Among the samples, 48.4% were infected with pathogenic and nonpathogenic parasite eggs and larvae, and 51.6% of samples were not infected by parasite. Among the contaminated samples, 48.1% were nonpathogenic, and Giardia with a frequency of 0.4% was the only pathogenic parasite that observed. Conclusion: The study showed that the percentage of parasites in raw vegetables was close to zero. However, the previous study in Isfahan city reported 13% contamination. The reduction in intestinal worm infections is probably the result of development of water and wastewater networks, improvement in public health and public knowledge about parasitic infections and different ways of its prevention.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the hygienic status of commonly used raw vegetables through the identification of their possible contamination with parasites as well as to the hygienic capability of using tap water in washing raw vegetables. Overall, 240 vegetable samples were randomly collected from local market. Four common types of raw vegetable (60 for each type), 120 of them were washed with tap water while the other half were washed with normal saline, with the aim of comparing their efficiency for parasite extraction from raw vegetables. Among samples washed with tap water, 28 (23.3%) were contaminated, while different type of parasites were detected in 30 (25%) of the samples washed with normal saline solution. With the exception of radish, all other three types of vegetables were contaminated with ova of Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana, while Trichuris trichiura was isolated only from green onions. Cysts of Entameba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis were extracted from radish while Giardia intestinalis was detected only in leeks. Tap water showed similar efficiency as normal saline in extraction of pathogenic parasites. These findings have important implications for food safety. Raw vegetables may threaten public health by transmitting intestinal parasites to humans. Further studies are recommended for a better understanding of the occurrence of possible infectious pathogens in raw food, and the status of hygienic knowledge, attitudes and practices among vegetables producers

Intestinal parasitic infections are one of the most common causes of human diseases that result in serious health and economic issues in many developing and developed countries. Raw vegetables and fruits play an important role in transmitting parasites to humans. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the parasitological contamination of select commonly consumed local leafy vegetables and fruits in Kuantan, Malaysia. One kilogram of locally consumed raw vegetables and fruits were collected randomly from the Kuantan wet market (Pasar Tani) during the monsoon season (November 2014-January 2015) and the dry season (February 2015-April 2015). A standard wet mount procedure and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining were used for the detection of parasites. In the present study, the examination of vegetables revealed five different parasite species. The vegetable samples collected from Kuantan's wet market were positive for both helminthes and protozoa. However, the fruits samples were negative for parasitic contamination. Pegaga was the most contaminated leafy vegetable in this study, and Strongyloides was the parasite found most frequently. Furthermore, there was a high diversity in the type of parasites observed during the dry season compared to the monsoon season. Therefore, further action should be taken to reduce the occurrence of parasitic contamination in vegetables by implementing the principles of good agricultural practice and improving water treatment efficacy.

Background: Consumption of raw vegetables without proper washing can act as a potential route of transmission of some infectious and parasitic diseases. This study determined the parasitic contamination of vegetables sold in some markets in Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State. Methodology: Vegetables was purchased from selected markets in Ankpa Local Government Area, North Central of Nigeria. Two hundred and forty samples of six different vegetable types – Carrot, Spinach, Pumpkin, Tomatoes, Cucumber and Garden egg were purchased from three different markets. The vegetables were examined microscopically for the presence of parasites using standardized parasitological techniques for protozoans and helminths. Results: Remarkable level of intestinal protozoa and helminthes contaminations of different life stages were recovered. Out of the 240 samples, 34 (14.2%) were positive for different species of parasites. Entamoeba histolytica 15 (6.3%) had the highest occurrence while Strongyloidesstercoralis(0.4%) had the least. Other parasites recovered include Hookworm eggs (2.1%), Giardia lamblia (1. 7%), Fasciola hepatica (0.8%), Trichuris trichiura (1.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides(0.8%), and Taenia spp (0.8%). A significant difference was observed in the prevalence of the identified parasites (p≤0.05). Spinach contamination had the highest parasitic load of 20.0%, while Garden egg had the least with 10.0%. Prevalence of parasites varied across markets, with Ankpa main market having the highest with 15.9% compared to Afor (12.5%) and Ukwo (10.3%) located in the interior. No significant difference was observed among the markets and the vegetables (p≤0.05) Conclusion: Raw vegetables investigated are contaminated with pathogenic parasites. Therefore, consumers need to ensure necessary hygiene practices before consuming vegetables purchased from markets to reduce the risk of infection by parasites associated with vegetables.

Parasitological contamination in salad vegetables in Tripoli-Libya

Background: Raw vegetables have been considered vehicles of enteroparasites. South American countries are among the most important exporters of fresh vegetables, including Ecuador, which has a tropical climate and soils rich in organic matter that allow it to harvest throughout the year for sale to different countries. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of the parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens grown in an agricultural area of the Ecuadorian Andes. Methods: A cross-sectional field study was conducted with snowball sampling on 1,416 samples (516 fruits, 488 vegetables, and 412 leafy greens). Each sample were washed with water, and the resulting solution after removing the vegetables, was subjected to 24-hour sedimentation. The concentrated sediment underwent microscopic analysis. Results: The overall positivity for parasitic contamination was 63.4%, with leafy greens having the highest contamination rate (76.9%) (P&lt;0.0001), surpassing vegetables (67.8%) and fruits (48.4%). Cabbage (100%), onions (84%), and strawberries (60.2%) emerged as the most contaminated within their respective groups. Protozoa were more prevalent (49.6%) than helminths (15.5%) (P&lt;0.0001). Blastocystis sp. (33.5%) ranked highest, followed by Eimeria spp. (26.3%), Entamoeba spp. (10.3%), Giardia spp. (8.3%), Balantidium spp. (6.9%), Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%), Cyclospora spp. (4.4%), Cystoisospora spp. (0.5%), Strongylida (15.5%), and Ascaris spp. (0.4%). Conclusion: The study reveals that vegetables and fruits for human consumption from this area of the Ecuadorian Andes are highly contaminated with various parasites, constituting a possible source of infection for humans and animals in this area, or in non-endemic areas where these products are marketed. The finding emphasizes the need for strict hygienic measures in agricultural crops, which will be properly achieved through the treatment of soil, manure and water used for cultivation.

Raw vegetables have been considered vehicles of enteroparasites. South American countries are among the most important exporters of fresh vegetables, including Ecuador, which has a tropical climate and soils rich in organic matter that allow it to harvest throughout the year for sale to different countries. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of the parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens grown in an agricultural area of the Ecuadorian Andes. A cross-sectional field study was conducted with snowball sampling on 1,416 samples (516 fruits, 488 vegetables, and 412 leafy greens). Each sample were washed with water, and the resulting solution after removing the vegetables, was subjected to 24-hour sedimentation. The concentrated sediment underwent microscopic analysis. The overall positivity for parasitic contamination was 63.4%, with leafy greens having the highest contamination rate (76.9%) (P<0.0001), surpassing vegetables (67.8%) and fruits (48.4%). Cabbage (100%), onions (84%), and strawberries (60.2%) emerged as the most contaminated within their respective groups. Protozoa were more prevalent (49.6%) than helminths (15.5%) (P<0.0001). Blastocystis sp. (33.5%) ranked highest, followed by Eimeria spp. (26.3%), Entamoeba spp. (10.3%), Giardia spp. (8.3%), Balantidium spp. (6.9%), Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%), Cyclospora spp. (4.4%), Cystoisospora spp. (0.5%), Strongylida (15.5%), and Ascaris spp. (0.4%). The study reveals that vegetables and fruits for human consumption from this area of the Ecuadorian Andes are highly contaminated with various parasites, constituting a possible source of infection for humans and animals in this area, or in non-endemic areas where these products are marketed. The finding emphasizes the need for strict hygienic measures in agricultural crops, which will be properly achieved through the treatment of soil, manure and water used for cultivation.

Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Of the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot (Daucus carota) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper (Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado (Persea americana) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana (Musa acuminata) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant (p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling (p < 0.001). The study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.

BackgroundConsuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.ResultOf the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot (Daucus carota) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper (Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado (Persea americana) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana (Musa acuminata) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant (p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.

Background Food-borne parasites are major sources of human and animal illness, posing severe health risks in places with contaminated soil, poor water quality, cleanliness, and poor sanitation. The usage of untreated organic fertilizers arising from the excreta of the parasites' definitive hosts either man or animal pollutes the agricultural soil and is reflected in its products of vegetables and green fodders causing serious health problems. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this will be the first study that investigated the combination of parasitic contamination of the agricultural soil and its products of raw eaten vegetables and green fodder in East Nile Delta, Egypt. Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the type and degree of contamination caused by parasites in regularly used raw vegetables, green fodder, and soil samples collected from open fields in Egypt's East Nile Delta. Study Procedures. A cross-sectional study comprised a simple random collection of 400 soil samples, 180 green fodder samples, and as well as 400 vegetable samples, including lettuce, radish, coriander, parsley, dill, watercress, tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, and carrot, that were gathered throughout one year period from January to December 2021 to represent all seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). The research locations were chosen from various open green fields and farming regions in Egypt's East Nile Delta producing ready-to-eat vegetables for human consumptions and planting green fodder for animal feeding. Concentrations, including sedimentation, and flotation, and staining techniques were used to recover the greatest number of parasitic life forms. The parasitic structures discovered were identified using biometric and imaging data and compared with known parasite morphology. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software version 22 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Data were presented in numbers and percentages. P-values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The difference in parasitic contamination among the different categories was compared using the chi-square test. Results In this investigation, 243 out of 400 soil samples (60.7%) confirmed positive for parasitic contamination (P < 0.05). Various parasitic life forms were significantly found in 249 out of 400 (62.25%) of the vegetable samples, with (65.1%) of them harboring one parasite species, whereas 9.2% significantly contained up to three parasites. Ascaris eggs, Trichuris eggs, and Giardia cysts were the most prevalent parasites, which were predominantly isolated from vegetables with uneven surfaces. 109 of 180 (60.0%) green fodder samples confirmed insignificantly positive for parasitic pollution. The proportion of parasite contamination in vegetable samples was insignificant although the highest was in spring (29.3%), followed by summer (27.7%), whereas it is significant in autumn (24.5%). The prevalence rate was the lowest in winter (20.1%). Conclusion and Recommendations. Our findings demonstrated a significant load of parasites notably the soil-transmitted parasitic infection in raw vegetables and green fodder cultivated in open fields as well as in their mother soil in the east of the Nile Delta, Egypt. These results confirm the urgent need to deploy strict control measures to the soil, especially during the pre-harvest period of raw eaten vegetables and green fodder, a critical step in reducing food-borne transmission of soil-transmitted parasites to man and animals.