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 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.

Over 99.9% of the 5206 samples of pasteurized cheese tested for bacterial pathogens and indicators were satisfactory.

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.

4331 samples of ready-to-eat meat were tested for bacterial pathogens and indicators. 99.7% of the samples were satisfactory.

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 targeted survey tested 162 samples of powdered infant cereal for Enterobacteriaceae and 199 samples of children's breakfast cereals for Salmonella species, Enterobacteriaceae and Aerobic Colony Count. 96.9% of the powdered infant cereal and 97.5% of children's breakfast cereal samples were assessed as satisfactory. When necessary, the CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. No product recalls were required.

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.