A targeted survey analysed 584 samples of frozen raw coconut meat for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella species, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157, generic E. coli and Aerobic Colony Count. Almost all (99.8%) of the samples tested were found to be free of pathogenic bacteria. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted appropriate follow-up activities and a food recall was issued by industry. There were no reported illnesses related to these products. Overall, our survey results indicate that frozen raw coconut meat sold in Canada are generally safe for consumption, however they can occasionally be contaminated.

Over 99.9% of the 1762 samples of ready-to-eat dried powdered spices tested for bacterial pathogens and indicators were satisfactory.

A targeted survey on bacterial pathogens in dried sprouted seed products analyzed 1,936 samples for Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7), non-O157 Verotoxigenic E. coli (non-O157 VTEC), Salmonella species (spp.), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and generic E. coli. Over 97% of dried sprouted seed products were assessed as satisfactory. For the remainder of the samples, CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities such as facility inspections and additional sampling. The Salmonella positive samples that were found resulted in recalls of the affected products. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the positive samples.

A targeted survey on bacterial pathogens in pre-prepared, refrigerated baked desserts analyzed 2,975 samples for generic Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Salmonella species (spp.). No C. perfringens and Salmonella spp. were found in any of the samples. Elevated levels of B. cereus were found in 3 samples. Elevated levels of S. aureus were found in 1 sample and L. monocytogenes was found in 1 sample. Generic E. coli was found in 12 samples. CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities such as facility inspections. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the positive samples.

A targeted survey analyzed 2,680 samples of dried herbs and 1,178 samples of dried teas for bacterial pathogens. All samples were tested for generic Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella species (spp.), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). Additionally, 1,773 samples of dried herbs and all samples of dried teas were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). B. cereus was found in seven samples, S. aureus was found in one sample, Salmonella spp. was found in two samples and E. coli was found in two samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities such as facility inspections and additional sampling. The Salmonella positive samples resulted in product recalls as did one of the positive generic E. coli samples. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the positive samples.

A targeted survey analyzed 1,828 samples of unpasteurized juices and high pressure processed juices for bacterial pathogens and indicators, viruses and parasites. An elevated level of generic Escherichia coli was found in one sample. All other samples were found to be free of bacterial pathogens, viruses, and parasites. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities.

A targeted survey on bacterial pathogens in seed powder and plant-based protein powder analyzed 583 samples of seed powder and 245 samples of plant-based protein powder for generic Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella species (spp.), B. cereus, Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). No Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were found in any of the samples. B. cereus was found in 3 of the seed powder samples and 10 of the plant-based protein powder. C. perfringens was found in 2 of the plant-based protein powder samples and a high level of generic E. coli was found in 1 seed powder sample. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities such as facility inspections and additional sampling.

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 2595 samples of frozen fruits and vegetables for smoothies for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and generic Escherichia coli (E. coli). Additionally, of the 2595 samples, 1800 were tested for Salmonella species (Salmonella spp.) and E. coli O157. Salmonella spp., E. coli O157 and generic E. coli were not found in any of the samples. L. monocytogenes was found in 1 sample. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. No illnesses were reported in association with the positive sample.