Microbiological and chemical analysis of land snails commercialised in Sicily

Abstract

In this study 160 samples of snails belonging to the species <i>Helix aspersa maxima and Helix aspersa muller</i> were examined for chemical and microbiological analysis. Samples came from Greece and Poland. Results showed mean concentration of cadmium (0.35±0.036 mg/kg) and lead (0.05±0.013 mg/kg) much higher than the limit of detection. Mercury levels in both species were not detected. Microbiological analysis revealed the absence of <i>Salmonella</i> spp. and <i>Clostridium</i> spp. in both examined species. <i>E. coli</i> and <i>K. oxytoca</i> were observed in <i>Helix aspersa maxima</i> and <i>Helix aspersa muller</i>. Furthermore, one case of fungi positivity in samples of <i>Helix aspersa muller</i> was found. The reported investigations highlight the need to create and adopt a reference legislation to protect the health of consumers.