Canadian Food Inspection Agency

​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...

​​A targeted survey analyzed 1495 samples of flavoured milk for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). Samples were also tested for Aerobic Colony Count (ACC), which is an indicator of microbial quality of food. L. monocytogenes was not found in any of the samples. ACC was...

​​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...

​​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...

​​A targeted survey analyzed 1149 samples of ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruits for the presence of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and Norovirus (NoV) genetic material (RNA). HAV RNA was detected in 3 samples and NoV RNA was detected in 2 samples. The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities. No...

​Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) epoxy resins and hard plastic containers. Its use in the food industry is common, as BADGE epoxy resins are often coated on the inside of cans to prevent direct contact between the food and the metal. These...

Food colours are routinely added to foods and beverages for a variety of reasons, including to compensate for the loss of natural colour caused by processing conditions, and to meet consumer expectations by making the food more appealing and appetizing by enhancing the colour or making it more...

Metals are naturally-occurring elements that may be present in very low amounts in rock, water, soil, or air. Finding these substances in food products is not unexpected as trace levels generally reflect normal accumulation from the environment. They may be present in finished foods due to their...

​Alternaria toxins are naturally occurring toxins released by plants. The toxin levels in selected foods on the Canadian retail market were examined. The most important Alternaria toxins are alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), altuene (ALT) and L-tenuazonic acid (TeA). TeA is...

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a chemical that unintentionally forms during the fermentation process. It can be found in alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, spirits, and fermented foods such as bread and yogurt. EC levels in alcoholic beverages and vinegars can be affected by a wide range of...

The main objectives of this targeted survey were to expand baseline data on the presence and levels of mycotoxins in corn products, crackers, other grain (non-staple) products, pasta and gluten-free products; and to compare these results to other data, where feasible. Mycotoxins are natural...

The main objectives of the 2018 CFP were to: •Collect data and assess the compliance of infant foods to Canadian standards for residues of veterinary drugs, pesticides and metals •Collect baseline data on the levels of aflatoxin M1 in infant foods and formula containing milk In the 2018 CFP, a...

The main objective of this survey was to obtain baseline information regarding the presence and levels of undeclared allergens and gluten in frozen desserts. 598 samples were tested in this survey, and 10 of the samples were found to contain undeclared allergens including the milk protein...

Grain, nut/seed and vegetable-based products are staple foods consumed in Canada. These are products of agricultural commodities and may contain pesticide residues introduced from the environment or if the crops were treated with pesticides in the field, during transport and/or during storage to...

Grain-based and vegetable-based products are staple foods consumed in Canada. These are products of agricultural commodities and may contain pesticide residues introduced from the environment or if the crops were treated with pesticides in the field, during transport and/or during storage to...

Furan is a chemical that can unintentionally form in foods that undergo thermal treatment such as canning. Precursors to furan that are often present in food include ascorbic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids and sugars. This compound occasionally coexists with 2-methylfuran and...

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are products of the incomplete combustion of materials such as coal, oil, gas, wood and charbroiled meat. They are a common airborne pollutant and often contaminate crops. PAHs can also form in food during thermal processing. This survey analyses the 4 most...

​The main objective of this survey was to obtain baseline information regarding the presence and levels of undeclared peanut and gluten in cumin and paprika products. 299 samples were tested in this survey, and approximately 19% (57) of the samples were found to contain undeclared gluten and/or...

The main objective of this survey was to obtain baseline information regarding the presence and levels of undeclared tree nuts in various types of products with a tree nut free claim. 999 were tested and 0.1% (1) of the samples was found to contain undeclared almond. This positive result was...

​The main objective of this survey was to obtain additional information regarding the presence and levels of undeclared allergens in a variety of flavour packets. 993 samples were tested, and 19% (185) of the samples were found to contain at least 1 undeclared allergen including gluten, soy,...