Food Microbiology

Monitoring the levels of microbiological contaminants in food is just one of the many things the CFIA does to safeguard the food supply.

The CFIA prepares annual and targeted survey reports. These reports are based on sampling carried out under the National Microbiology Monitoring Program and the Food Safety Action Plan

Microbiology Reports

2008-2009

• Bacterial Pathogens And Indicators Of Fecal Contamination In Domestic Unpasteurized Apple Cider/Juice
• Bacterial Pathogens & Indicators Of Faecal Contamination In Leafy Green Vegetables
• Bacterial Pathogens & Indicators Of Faecal Contamination In Tomatoes And Cantaloupes
• Hepatitis A Virus In Green Onions And Strawberries

The CFIA inspects, samples and tests food products that have a potential for health risks. Samples are analyzed based on the food safety standards that have been established by Health Canada and various international organizations, such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission. When the CFIA finds foods and food ingredients that violate these standards, it takes corrective actions. Such actions may include the following:

• doing further inspections,
• sampling,
• issuing public notices, and
• recalling products that pose a health risk.

The information gained from this testing helps the CFIA to identify trends that helps it focus its activities on the areas of greatest risk in the Canadian food market. The information also helps the CFIA to

• gauge the effectiveness of control policies and programs, and
• develop strategic plans to minimize potential health risks for consumers.

National Microbiology Monitoring Program

The CFIA operates a national microbiological monitoring program. The monitoring program includes the random selection and testing of samples for a wide variety of domestic and imported products. Sample tests are done every year to monitor the level of microbiological contamination in the food supply. Testing is done for a variety of high risk pathogens, including E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and Shigella.

The information it gathers is used to determine the occurrence of contaminants in the food supply. The CFIA summarizes and presents the results of this monitoring program in annual reports that will be posted online.

Food Safety Action Plan (FSAP) targeted surveys: microbiological

The Food Safety Action Plan (FSAP) supports ongoing efforts at the CFIA to build on the present food safety system and strengthen it in the future. FSAP initiatives allow the CFIA to respond quickly and effectively to food safety issues, and to identify potential risks sooner. In the FSAP targeted surveys the CFIA tests foods that are considered to have the greatest potential for health risks for a variety of pathogens.

These surveys focus on areas not covered by the CFIA’s regular monitoring activities, specifically on the following

• emerging hazards,
• new foods, and
• new sources of foods.

The information gathered in these reports allows the CFIA to gain a better understanding of how often and at what levels microbiological contaminants occur in specific foods.