A targeted survey on bacterial pathogens in raw milk cheese analyzed 2,009 samples for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157. Of the 2,009 samples, 1,723 samples were tested for generic E. coli, Salmonella species (spp.), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). No Salmonella spp., E. coli O157 or generic E. coli were found in any of the samples. S. aureus was found in 6 samples and L. monocytogenes was found in 2 samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities which resulted in recalls.

A targeted survey analyzed 1495 samples of flavoured milk for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). Samples were also tested for Aerobic Colony Count (ACC), which is an indicator of microbial quality of food. L. monocytogenes was not found in any of the samples. ACC was found in 33 samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities that resulted in a product recall.

A targeted survey analyzed 1186 samples of dairy ice cream for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Aerobic Colony Count (ACC). Additionally, of the 1186 samples, 387 were tested for Salmonella species (Salmonella spp.) and total coliforms. L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were not found in any of the samples.

A total of 699 samples of pasteurized goat, sheep, and water buffalo milk were tested for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as bacterial indicators. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes were not found in any of the samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities when necessary

A total of 954 samples of raw non-soy plant-based meat alternatives were tested for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and generic E. coli. Testing showed 99.7% of samples were satisfactory. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities when necessary.

A 3-year targeted survey analysed 714 samples of plant-based ice cream alternatives for the presence of the pathogens Salmonella species and Listeria monocytogenes. All samples were also tested for total coliforms and Aerobic Colony Count. Overall, the survey results indicate that plant-based ice cream alternatives sold in Canada are generally safe for consumption.

Following two O121 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreaks linked to wheat flour, this study was conducted to gain baseline information on the occurrence of bacterial pathogens and levels of indicator organisms in wheat flour in Canada. A total of 347 pre-packaged wheat flour samples were analyzed for Salmonella species (spp.), STEC, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), aerobic colony count (ACC), total coliforms and generic Escherichia coli (E. coli). Salmonella spp. and O157 STEC were not detected in any of the samples. L. monocytogenes was identified in two samples (0.6%) and non-O157 STEC was isolated from 6 (1.7%) samples. ACC, total coliforms and generic E.coli were detected (≥0.48 log CFU/g) in 98.8%, 72.6% and 0.6% of the flour samples respectively.