title: Microbiological and Chemical Analysis of Land Snails Commercialised in Sicily.
abstract: In this study 160 samples of snails belonging to the speciesHelix aspersa maxima and Helix aspersa mullerwere 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 ofSalmonellaspp. andClostridiumspp. in both examined species.E. coliandK. oxytocawere observed inHelix aspersa maximaandHelix aspersa muller. Furthermore, one case of fungi positivity in samples ofHelix aspersa mullerwas found. The reported investigations highlight the need to create and adopt a reference legislation to protect the health of consumers.
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Antonello
authors: A
authors: Cicero
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Giangrosso
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Gaetano
authors: G
authors: Cammilleri
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Macaluso
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Vittoria
authors: V
authors: Currò
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Galuppo
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Vargetto
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Vicari
authors: Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Sicily , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Ferrantelli
keywords: Food microbiology; Heavy metals; Snails