A targeted survey analyzed 60 samples of kombucha for bacterial pathogens. All samples were tested for Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157 (E. coli O157), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and generic Escherichia coli (E. coli). All samples were found to be free of bacterial pathogens.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 3-year targeted survey analysed 891 samples of plant-based milk 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 milk alternatives sold in Canada are generally safe for consumption.

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.