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 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 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 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.