Abstract:

Ready-to-eat fruits are a vital component of a healthy diet but may pose significant health risks when contaminated. This study assessed the parasitic contamination of selected ready-to-eat fruits mangoes, oranges, bananas, watermelons, and apples sold at Madina Market in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality, Ghana. A total of 31 fruit samples from open market vendors and 30 control samples from grocery shops were examined using sedimentation and zinc sulfate concentration techniques. Microscopic examination revealed intestinal parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Loa loa, and unidentified rind worm eggs in the market samples, while no parasitic organisms were detected in the grocery shop samples. Watermelon exhibited the highest contamination rate (75%), followed by banana (62.5%), apple (57.14%), and mango (40%). Oranges showed no detectable contamination. The presence of these parasites is likely attributed to unhygienic handling, washing with contaminated water, and poor storage practices. The findings highlight a substantial public health concern and emphasize the need for improved hygiene practices, proper fruit washing techniques, and public education. These measures are crucial to minimizing the risk of parasitic infections linked to fruit consumption in urban markets.

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Obeagu, E. I., Obeagu, G. U., & Nwachukwu, C. C., 2021, Public health risks associated with fruits and vegetables at Owo markets. International Journal of Current Research in Medical Sciences, 8(1), 29–41.