Introduction. The existing relationship between improper manipulation of food stuffs and appearance of diseases transmitted through such food stuffs, has been demonstrated. In Colombia, as reported by SIVIGIA, in 2011 8,828 cases of diseases transmitted by food stuffs/water were reported, most of them appearing at restaurants and at home. Objective. To describe the most frequent intestinal parasites in food stuff handlers, who attended the Clinical Laboratory, of San Buenaventura University, Cartagena Branch. Methods. A quantitative, descriptive and retrospective study was performed on the frequency of intestinal parasitism in 3,986 food stuff handlers of Cartagena de Indias city, who attended the Clinical Laboratory, coming from: infantile dining halls, restaurants, food stuff processing companies, among other, since 2005 through 2011. Samples were analyzed through a direct examination. Results and discussion. Blasticystis hominis was the most frequent protozoo, 76,5%, seconded by Endolinax nana, 25,8%; Entamoeba coli 20,5 %; Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 9,9%. 64,92 % were monoparasited; 24,16 %, biparasited, and 8,85%, triparasited. The most frequent associations were Blastocystis hominis - Endolimax nana y Blastocystis hominis – Entamoeba coli. These parasites may reach food stuffs due to improper manufacturing practices; therefore, it becomes necessary to tighten hygienic-sanitary practices, and increase training, vigilance and control by state agencies. Conclusion. High frequency of parasited food-stuff handlers could be spreading the infection within Cartagenian population, since such manipulators serve at restaurants, children homes, and other establishments distributed through the city.