Abstract

(Received: 2015/01/20 - Accepted: 2015/03/25)In this research, 108 samples were analyzed (54 of coriander and 54 of parsley). These samples were obtained under a random method in three distribution spots on each of the markets around the north of the city of Quito. Total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC) and Escherichia coli (EC) were detected. The average of TC value for coriander was 5.09 log UFC/g and 6.39 log UFC/g for parsley. Values of 607.0 NMP/g for F for the market #1, 597.7NMP/g for the market # 2, and 474.2 NMP/g for the market # 3 were found. The 23.1% of the parsley samples presented positive recounts for Escherichia coli while for the coriander the 14.8% of the samples were positive for this bacterium. The presence of enteric indicators (TC, FC, and EC) was independent from the market and the distribution point which indicates a high contamination level and demonstrates the necessity of a microbiologic control on the irrigation system, farming, transport and hygienic conditions of handlers in order to assure the quality of the leafy vegetables, is recommended to set local norms to evaluate the microbiological quality of these foods.