We compared the bacterial populations and contents of minerals (K, Fe and Zn) and vitamin C between organically and conventionally grown vegetables. A total of 123 vegetables, including 10 carrots, 13 cucumbers, 11 eggplants, 12 grape tomatoes, 10 Japanese leeks, 11 komatunas, 12 onions, 10 potherb mustards, 10 spinaches, and 10 white radishes, were purchased from retail markets. No significant difference in the total bacterial and coliform counts was apparent between the organically and conventionally grown vegetables. Listeria spp. were isolated from three organically grown vegetables and one conventionally grown vegetable. Neither Escherichia coli nor Salmonella was detected in any of these vegetables. No significant differences in the contents of minerals (K, Fe and Zn) and vitamin C were found between the organically and conventionally grown vegetables.
