<![CDATA[This preliminary study aimed to detect parasitic contamination in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and fresh spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) sold at Pramuka Market, Samarinda, as part of an effort to assess biological food safety at the local market level. A descriptive observational design was employed. Samples comprised three Nile tilapia and 200 grams of spinach obtained from Pramuka Market, Samarinda. Ectoparasite examination in fish was conducted using the mucus-scraping method on the body surface and gills, while parasite egg examination in spinach was performed using the simple flotation method. Parasite identification was based on morphological characteristics observed under a light microscope. Results of the three Nile tilapia examined, one fish (33.3%) was found to harbor the ectoparasite Trichodina sp. on the gill mucus. In the 200‑gram spinach sample, a single egg presumed to be Fasciola sp. was detected, identified by its oval shape, yellowish‑brown color, and the presence of an operculum. This study detected indications of parasitic contamination in both fish and spinach samples from Pramuka Market, Samarinda, suggesting a potential biological risk in fresh food commodities sold at the market. However, due to the limited sample size and the absence of molecular confirmation, these results should be interpreted as indicative rather than conclusive and cannot be generalized. Further studies with larger sample sizes and molecular confirmation (e.g., polymerase chain reaction) are recommended to support more comprehensive food safety surveillance.]]>
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