A targeted survey of 2,233 samples of leafy vegetables for parasites found 98.8% to be satisfactory. Samples were analyzed for Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Giardia spp. Two samples contained parasite DNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and three samples contained Toxoplasma gondii DNA. Cyclospora cayetanensis DNA was detected in six samples and Giardia spp. DNA was detected in fifteen samples. Due to methodology limitations and the perishable nature of the products, the time elapsed between sample pick up and the completion of analysis, implicated products were no longer available on the market when the parasite DNA was detected. As such, no direct product action was possible. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the positive samples.

A targeted survey analysed 1730 samples of imported fresh leafy herbs for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium species and Toxoplasma gondii. 99.8% of the samples tested were found to be satisfactory. Overall, our survey results indicate that imported fresh leafy herbs sold in Canada are generally safe for consumption.

A targeted survey analysed 483 samples of fresh mushrooms for the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from the following enteric parasites of concern: Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium species, Toxoplasma gondii, and Giardia species. All 483 samples were found to be free of parasite DNA.

A targeted survey on parasites in imported whole fresh sugar snap and snow peas analyzed 932 samples for Cyclospora cayetanensis (C. cayentanensis), Cryptosporidium species (spp.) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Of the 932 samples, 489 were also tested for Giardia spp. All samples were found to be free of parasites.

A targeted survey analysed 1782 samples of imported fresh berries for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium species and Toxoplasma gondii. 99.9% of the samples tested were found to be satisfactory. Overall, our survey results indicate that imported fresh berries sold in Canada are generally safe for consumption.

The CFIA tested 829 samples of whole or trimmed fresh leafy herbs and 230 whole or trimmed fresh leafy vegetables for Hepatitis A and Norovirus GI and GII. 99.9% of the fresh leafy herb and 100% of the fresh leafy vegetable samples tested were found to be satisfactory. CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. There were no reported illnesses related to these products.

A targeted survey tested 3172 samples of baby leafy vegetables for the presence of the pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella species, and E. coli O157. Over 99.5% of the samples tested were found to be satisfactory. When necessary, the CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. No product recalls were required.

A targeted survey analyzed 2947 samples of fresh whole stone fruits for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Salmonella species (spp.), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and generic E. coli. Additionally, of the 2947 samples, 1001 were tested for Shigella. No Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7 and Shigella were found in any of the samples tested. L. monocytogenes was found in 34 samples and generic E. coli was found in 2 samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. No product recalls were required.

A targeted survey analyzed 3,071 samples of cucumbers for bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, and generic E. coli. No Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli O157:H7 were found in any of the samples. High levels of generic E. coli were found in three samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities resulting in facility inspections, additional sampling and/or implementation of corrective actions by the processing facilities.