In 2011, the terrestrial snail Helix pomatia was classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [1]. In Northwestern Italy, this species has been farmed for culinary purposes, with farmers collecting individuals from wild populations in selected areas of the Piedmont region. However, habitat destruction has contributed to a decline in natural populations [2], limiting this practice and increasing reliance on snails imported from Eastern Europe [3].  

This study investigated viral pathogens and chemical contaminants in H. pomatia collected from farms located in Northwestern Italy during 2024 and 2025. Ten pooled samples (15 individuals each) were homogenised and analysed for chemical contaminants, while 31 individual snails were screened for viral pathogens using foot muscle tissue and hemolymph samples.   

Trace metals and rare earth elements were quantified by ICP-MS 7800 (Agilent), while pesticide residues were determined through LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS multiresidue methods. Baculoviruses, Herpesviruses, and Poxviruses were screened by PCR on DNA extracts.   

Aluminum and barium concentrations showed wide variability, ranging from 0.045 to 665 mg/kg and from 27 to 162 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, four samples exceeded the maximum permissible levels established for comparable marine species [4], as no specific regulatory limits are currently available for H. pomatia. The synergist piperonyl butoxide was detected in two samples (0.084 mg/kg and 0.072 mg/kg). Since no specific maximum residue level (MRL) has been established for H. pomatia, these concentrations exceeded the default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg. Additionally, one sample contained the fungicide azoxystrobin (0.042 mg/kg), exceeding the 0.01 mg/kg limit referenced for terrestrial invertebrates [5]. 

No viruses were detected in any of the analysed samples.  

These preliminary findings highlight the importance of systematic monitoring. Further investigations are needed to assess the health status of H. pomatia, enhance our understanding of wild populations, and support the development of farming practices.