Hortaliças minimamente processadas e redes de fast-food. Pena et al.Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, Campinas, 22 (1) Microbiological evaluation of minimally processed vegetables available on the market and served in fast-food chains and food services in the cities of Limeira and Campinas, São Paulo, BrazilThe current study aimed to determine the presence of microbiological contaminants in 64 samples of minimally processed vegetables from the cities of Limeira and Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, to verify the adequacy of these products according to the parameters described in current legislation. Total aerobic mesophilic counts, coliforms from 35 o C to 45 o C, E. coli counts and determination of the presence of Salmonella were performed in this study.Of the samples, 69.2% were obtained from the supermarkets and 30.8% from restaurants and fast food chains. The vegetables presented mean counts of total aerobic mesophilic in the range from 3.8 to 10.4 log CFU g -1 . For coliforms at 35°C variations were observed in the mean counts from 1.1 to >5.0 log MPN g -1 and for coliforms at 45°C, the variations were from values below the method detection level to 5.0 log MPN g -1 .For the E.coli counts, the average scores were from values below the method detection level to 2.1 log CFU g -1 . Salmonella spp. was not found in any of the samples evaluated. About 12% of all samples did not conform with the standards set by the RDC n o 12, 2001. Other parameters not defined by the Brazilian legislation presented unsatisfactory values when confronted to the laws of other countries. Improvements in the production system are necessary to ensure the quality of vegetables and avoid contamination and possible damage to the consumer's health.