A targeted survey analysed 1730 samples of imported fresh leafy herbs for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium species and Toxoplasma gondii. 99.8% of the samples tested were found to be satisfactory. Overall, our survey results indicate that imported fresh leafy herbs sold in Canada are generally safe for consumption.

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 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.

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 analyzed 1,991 samples of fresh berries and frozen fruits for viruses. 99.6% of the samples were found to be free of viruses. Samples were analyzed for hepatitis A (HAV), norovirus (NoV) (Genotype I and II (GI, GII)) and human rotavirus (HRV) RNA. HAV and NoV (GI) RNA were not detected in any of the samples tested. NoV (GII) RNA was detected in 7 samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities for all viral RNA positive samples. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the positive samples

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 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.

A targeted survey analyzed 2947 samples of fresh whole stone fruits for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Salmonella species (spp.), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and generic E. coli. Additionally, of the 2947 samples, 1001 were tested for Shigella. No Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7 and Shigella were found in any of the samples tested. L. monocytogenes was found in 34 samples and generic E. coli was found in 2 samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. No product recalls were required.