A alface (Lactuca sativa) é a hortaliça folhosa mais comercializada no Brasil, sendo considerada uma cultura hortícola de grande consumo. Devido ao seu baixo valor calórico qualifica-se para diversas dietas, o que favorece grandemente o seu consumo de uma maneira geral, constituindo-se em componente imprescindível das saladas dos brasileiros [6]. . The hydroponics lettuce samples showed the lowest total and edible part weight; they were inserted into Extra rate quality standard, according to the current legislation, whereas the organic and traditional lettuce samples were inserted into First and Second rate quality standard, respectively. The lettuce samples, independently of the growing process, showed low hygienic conditions, indicated by the presence of parasites of animal or human origin, and high concentration of fecal coliforms; the organic lettuce samples showed the highest frequencies of enteroparasities and fecal coliforms concentration, followed by the traditional and hydroponics lettuce samples. Considering the obtained results, the importance of this kind of food in the transmission of enteroparasities is stressed, as well as the need of actions which improve the sanitary conditions of these products.