Targeted survey investigating bacterial pathogens and generic E. coli in fresh leafy green vegetables

Abstract

In a targeted survey, 4250 samples of fresh leafy green vegetables were analysed for E. coli O157, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and generic E. coli. 2 samples were found to be contaminated with Salmonella, 7 samples were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and 1 sample was found to have elevated levels of generic E. coli. All positive samples were subject to food safety investigations and appropriate follow-up activities were conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 2 product recalls resulted from the positive samples. There were no reported illnesses associated with consumption of any of the positive samples.