A Survey Study on Parasite Presence of Edible Wild Terrestrial Snails (Helix pomatia L.) in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

Edible terrestrial snails are important protein source for human nutrition with low fat. On the other hand, it is known that snails are hosts for some of the parasites which may pose serious health hazards for humans. That’s why the reason it is important to put those edible molluscs under spotlight in terms of food safety. Depending our scientific report survey, no studies have been carried out related to terrestrial snails subjected to human consumption in North Cyprus. In this study, it was aimed to determine the parasite presence of snails consumed as food in Northern Cyprus. The snail samples (n=250), were collected from their natural wild habitat at Buyukkonuk region in rainy season at April-May 2019. The samples were dissected and internal organs were examined for the presence of parasites. As a result of the study, no parasites were observed in a total of 250 snail samples. In order to understand the public health risk regarding snail consumption, more studies should be planned on bacteriological, parasitological and virology investigations in Northern Cyprus.

Keywords: Roman snail, food, public health, Cypriot cuisine

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-09-02