Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The National Microbiological Monitoring Program (NMMP) and Food Safety Oversight Program (FSO) are food surveillance programs managed by the CFIA to verify industry compliance with microbial standards, facilitate access of Canadian food products to international markets, provide information on...

A targeted survey on bacterial pathogens in dried sprouted seed products analyzed 1,936 samples for Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7), non-O157 Verotoxigenic E. coli (non-O157 VTEC), Salmonella species (spp.), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Clostridium perfringens (C....

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.

A targeted survey analyzed 2,400 in-shell nut samples, 2,612 shelled nut samples, and 1,142 nut butter samples for bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) (nut butters only), and generic E. coli. No E. coli O157:H7, L....

​​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....

​​A targeted survey analyzed 59 samples of cold brewed coffee for the following bacteria: Salmonella species (spp.), Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157, Aerobic Colony Count (ACC) and generic E. coli. No Salmonella spp., E. coli O157 and generic E. coli were found in any of the samples. ACC was...

​In 1998, following an outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) linked to BC oysters, a BC risk reduction strategy was implemented. As part of the strategy, the CFIA established environmental Vp indicator stations, which were used to assist the shellfish industry in determining the timeframe of...

​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...