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 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.

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.

The CFIA collected 197 samples of imported fresh green onions and tested them for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidum species and Toxoplasma gondii. All 197 samples tested were found to be satisfactory.

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.

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 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.

Edible insects were selected to be part of a preliminary survey to gain basic food safety information. Little scientific information is available regarding the control of microbiological pathogens during the rearing and processing of edible insects. A targeted survey analyzed 51 samples of edible insects for microorganisms such as Salmonella and generic Escherichia coli (E. coli). No Salmonella or generic E. coli were found in any of the samples.

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 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.