Food Microbiology - Targeted Surveys - Final Report - Bacterial Pathogens in Fresh Leafy Herbs - April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2016

​A targeted survey analysed 2,969 samples of fresh leafy herbs for Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli O157, and generic E. coli. Shigella and E. coli O157 were not found in any of the samples. Salmonella was found in two samples and high levels of generic E. coli were found in eleven samples. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted appropriate follow-up activities resulting in facility inspections, additional sampling and/or implementation of corrective actions by the processing facilities. Both Salmonella positive samples resulted in recalls of the affected products. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the Salmonella positive samples.