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Bacterial Pathogens in a Variety of Refrigerated, Multi-Ingredient, Ready-to-Eat Processed Foods - April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2018

Food microbiology - Targeted surveys - Final report

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Summary

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are defined as foods not requiring any further preparation before consumption except perhaps washing/rinsing, thawing or warming. RTE foods have become increasingly popular across all age groups due to their convenience. Unfortunately, some RTE foods have been associated with recalls and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in Canada and worldwide. RTE foods can range in complexity from single ingredient (for example, chopped lettuce) to multi-ingredient (for example, guacamole) foods. As the number of ingredients increases so does the risk of cross contamination during production. As with all foods, RTE foods can also be contaminated during handling, packaging and distribution. Most importantly, given that these foods are consumed "as is," the presence of bacterial pathogens presents an increased potential risk for foodborne illnesses.

Considering the factors mentioned above and their relevance to Canadians, a variety of multi-ingredient RTE processed foods requiring refrigeration (dips, sauces, salad dressings, prepared salads) were selected for targeted surveys. The purpose of the surveys was to generate baseline information on the occurrence of indicator and pathogenic bacteria in a variety of these RTE foods. Over the course of this four year study (April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018), a total of 4851 samples were collected from retail locations in 11 cities across Canada. Throughout the entire survey period, all samples were tested for generic Escherichia coli (E.coli) and the pathogens Listeria monocytogenes (L.monocytogenes) and Salmonella species (spp.). Throughout the second, third and fourth year of the study, 3282 samples were tested for the pathogens Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Clostridium perfringens (C.perfringens) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). Generic E.coli is an indicator organism as the levels at which they are found in foods is used to assess the overall sanitation conditions throughout the food production chain.

C. perfringens, Salmonella spp, and generic E.coli (> 102 Most Probable Number (MPN)/gram (g)) or Colony Forming Units (CFU)/g) were not found in any samples. Presumptive B. cereus was detected at elevated levels (103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) in 2/3282 (0.06%) samples. S. aureus was detected at elevated levels (102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) in 1/3282 (0.03%) samples. L. monocytogenes was detected in 5/4851 (0.1%) samples, of which three were considered Category 1 and two were considered Category 2.

In RTE dips, salads and sauces, the presence of elevated levels of presumptive B. cereus (103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) and S. aureus (102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) indicate that the food may have been produced under unsanitary conditions. Depending on the product and levels found, samples containing L. monocytogenes may indicate that the food was produced under unsanitary conditions, and may be deemed unfit for human consumption.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) conducted appropriate follow-up activities such as facility inspections and additional sampling. Recalls were issued in response to those Category 1, L. monocytogenes positive samples where the affected product was still on the market. The source of contamination was determined in one case and preventive and corrective actions were implemented by the manufacturing facilities. No reported illnesses were associated with any of the contaminated products.

Overall, our survey results suggest that almost all multi-ingredient RTE processed foods available for purchase at retail in Canada are safe for consumption. They can however be found to be contaminated with pathogens such as those found in this study: B. cereus, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. Consequently, as with all foods, safe handling practices are recommended for producers, retailers and consumers.

What are targeted surveys?

Targeted surveys are used by the CFIA to focus its surveillance activities on areas of highest health risk. The information gained from these surveys provides support for the allocation and prioritization of the Agency's activities to areas of greater concern. Originally started as a project under the Food Safety Action Plan (FSAP), targeted surveys have been embedded in the CFIA's regular surveillance activities since 2013. Targeted surveys are a valuable tool for generating information on certain hazards in foods, identifying and characterizing new and emerging hazards, informing trend analysis, prompting and refining health risk assessments, highlighting potential contamination issues, as well as assessing and promoting compliance with Canadian regulations.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. The CFIA works with federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and provides regulatory oversight of the food industry to promote safe handling of foods throughout the food production chain. The food industry and retail sectors in Canada are responsible for the food they produce and sell, while individual consumers are responsible for the safe handling of the food they have in their possession.

Why did we conduct this survey?

RTE foods are defined as foods not requiring any further preparation before consumption except perhaps washing/rinsing, thawing or warming. Pre-prepared RTE foods such as those selected for this survey (dips, sauces, salad dressings, prepared salads) have become increasingly popular across all age groupsFootnote 1 due to their convenience. Unfortunately, some have been associated with recalls and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in CanadaFootnote 2 and worldwideFootnote 3 Footnote 4 Footnote 5 Footnote 6. RTE foods can range in complexity from single ingredient (for example, chopped lettuce) to multi-ingredient (for example, guacamole) foods. As the number of ingredients increases so does the risk of cross contamination during production. As with all foods, RTE foods can also be contaminated during handling, packaging and distribution. Most importantly, given that these foods are consumed "as is," the presence of bacterial pathogens presents an increased potential risk for foodborne illnesses.

Considering the factors mentioned above and their relevance to Canadians, a variety of multi-ingredient RTE foods requiring refrigeration were selected for targeted surveys from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018. This survey was implemented to gain further information on the occurrence of indicator (generic E.coli) and pathogenic (B. cereus, C. perfringens, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, L. monocytogenes) bacteria in this product type at retail in Canada. Generic E. coli is an indicator organism as the levels at which they are found in foods is used to assess the overall sanitation conditions throughout the food production chain.

What did we sample?

For this survey, a sample consisted of a single or multiple unit(s) (individual consumer-size package(s)) from a single lot with a total weight of at least 250g. All samples were collected from national retail chains and local/regional grocery stores located in 11 major cities across Canada. These cities encompassed four geographical areas:

The number of samples collected from these cities was in proportion to the relative population of the respective areas.

Samples were collected between April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018. A variety of domestic, imported, conventional and organic RTE dips, sauces, salad dressings and prepared salads were sampled. Sample collection was evenly distributed throughout the year.

What analytical methods were used and how were samples assessed?

Samples were analyzed using methods published in Health Canada's Compendium of Analytical Methods for the Microbiological Analysis of Foods Footnote 7 (table 1). The assessment criteria used in this survey (table 1) are based on international food safety authorities' microbiological guidelinesFootnote 8 Footnote 9 Footnote 10 Footnote 11.

Table 1 - Analytical methods and assessment criteria for multi-ingredient RTE processed food samples requiring refrigeration
Bacterial analysis Method identification number Table Note a Satisfactory Investigative Unsatisfactory
Salmonella spp. MFHPB-20 Absent in 25g Not Applicable (N/A) Present in 25g
S. aureus MFHPB-21 ≤ 102 CFU/g 102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g > 104 CFU/g
B. cereus MFLP-42 ≤ 103 CFU/g 103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g > 104 CFU/g
C. perfringens MFHPB-23 ≤ 102 CFU/g 102 < x ≤ 103 CFU/g > 103 CFU/g
L. monocytogenes MFHPB-30
MFLP-28
MFLP-74
Absent in 25g N/A (Category 1 Table Note b) Present in 25g (Category 1 Table Note b)
L. monocytogenes MFHPB-30
MFLP-28
MFLP-74
Absent in 25g Present and ≤ 102 CFU/g (Category 2 Table Note b) > 102 CFU/g (Category 2 Table Note b)
Generic E. coli MFHPB-19
MFHPB-27
≤ 102 MPN/g or CFU/g N/A > 102 MPN/g or CFU/g

Table Notes

Table note a

The methods used were the published versions at the time of analysis

Return to table note a  referrer

Table note b

The pH and water activity of the sample were used to determine the product Category

Return to table note b  referrer

At the time of writing this report, no assessment guidelines had been established in Canada for the presence of bacterial pathogens or indicator organisms in the RTE food types analysed in this survey. As Salmonella spp. is considered pathogenic to humans their presence was considered to be a violation of the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) Section 4(1)aFootnote 12 and therefore was assessed by the CFIA as unsatisfactory. The assessment guidelines for L. monocytogenes are based on Health Canada's Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foodsFootnote 13 and are dependent upon the sample type analysed (Category 1, 2A or 2B).

S. aureus, C. perfringens and B. cereus are commonly found in the environment and are bacteria that can produce protein toxins when present in high levels in foods or in the intestines of infected humans, which can cause foodborne illness. An investigative assessment which may result in further follow-up actions is associated with elevated levels (table 1).  As the results are based on the analysis of one unit (n=1), further sampling may be required to verify their levels in the lot. The presence of high levels of these organisms (table 1) is indicative of the potential to cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, samples with high levels of S. aureus, C. perfringens or B. cereus (table 1) are assessed as unsatisfactory indicating that follow-up activities are warranted. The B. cereus method used in this survey is unable to discriminate B. cereus from other closely related organisms and therefore results are considered presumptive for B. cereus.

Unlike harmful bacterial pathogens (such as Salmonella spp.), generic E. coli is commonly found in the intestines of humans and most strains are harmless. It is considered to be an indicator organism and levels of generic E. coli found in foods are used to assess the overall sanitation conditions throughout the food chain from production to the point of sale. An unsatisfactory assessment is associated with levels of generic E.coli exceeding 102 MPN/g or CFU/g as it may indicate a breakdown in good manufacturing practices, and therefore possibly warranting the initiation of follow-up activities to determine the source of contamination and improve sanitation conditions along the food chain.

What were the survey results?

Over the course of this four year study (April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018), a total of 4851 samples were collected from retail locations in 11 cities across Canada. Throughout the entire four year survey period, all samples were tested for generic E.coli, L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.. Throughout the second, third and fourth year of the study, 3282 samples were tested for B. cereus, C. perfringens, and S. aureus.

C. perfringens,Salmonella spp. and generic E.coli (> 102 MPN/g or CFU/g) were not found in any samples. Presumptive B. cereus was detected at elevated levels (103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) in 2/3282 (0.06%) of the samples. S. aureus was detected at elevated levels (102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) in 1/3282 (0.03%) samples. L. monocytogenes was detected in 5/4851 (0.1%) samples, of which three were considered Category 1 and two were considered Category 2.

Table 2 - Assessment results of various multi-ingredient RTE processed food samples requiring refrigeration by survey year
Survey year(s) Bacterial analysis Number of samples tested Satisfactory Investigative Unsatisfactory
1 L. monocytogenes 1569 1568 0 1
Salmonella spp. N/A 0
Generic E.coli N/A 0
2-4 Salmonella spp. 3282 3276 N/A 0
S. aureus 1 0
L. monocytogenes 2 Table Note c 2
B. cereus 2 Table Note c 0
Generic E.coli N/A 0
C. perfringens 0 0
Total 4851 4844 4 3

Table Notes

Table note c

L.monocytogenes and B.cereus detected in one sample

Return to table note c  referrer

Of the 4851 samples tested, 2489 (51%) were domestic and 1281 (26%) were imported (table 4). The country where the products were processed could not be determined (unknown origin) for 1081 (22%) samples (table 4).

Table 3 – Assessment results of various multi-ingredient RTE processed food samples requiring refrigeration by product origin
Product origin Number of samples tested
(% of total samples)
Satisfactory Investigative
B. cereus
(103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g)
Investigative
L. monocytogenes
(present and ≤ 102 CFU/g - Category 2)
Investigative
S. aureus
(102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g)
Unsatisfactory
L. monocytogenes
(present in 25g - Category 1)
Domestic 2489 (51%) 2487 0 1 0 1
Import 1281 (26%) 1280 0 0 0 1
Australia 1 1 0 0 0 0
Costa Rica/Brazil/Ecuador 1 1 0 0 0 0
Israel 6 6 0 0 0 0
Japan 1 1 0 0 0 0
Jordan 2 2 0 0 0 0
Mexico 53 53 0 0 0 0
South Africa 1 1 0 0 0 0
United States 1213 1212 0 0 0 1
Unknown 3 3 0 0 0 0
Unknown 1081 (22%) 1077 2 Table Note d 1 Table Note d 1 1
Total 4851 4844 2 2 1 3

Table Notes

Table note d

L.monocytogenes and B.cereus detected in one sample

Return to table note d  referrer

A variety of RTE product types were analysed (table 4).

Table 4 – Assessment results of various multi-ingredient RTE processed food samples requiring refrigeration by product type
Product type Number of samples tested Satisfactory Investigative
B.cereus
(103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g)
Investigative
L. monocytogenes
(present and ≤ 102 CFU/g - Category 2)
Investigative
S. aureus
(102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g)
Unsatisfactory
L. monocytogenes
(present in 25g - Category 1)
Dressing and dip 233 233 0 0 0 0
Dips 1264 1261 1 Table Note e 2 Table Note e 0 1
Salads (potato, pasta, etc.) 2270 2266 1 0 1 2
Salad dressing 609 609 0 0 0 0
Sauce 456 456 0 0 0 0
Sauce and salad dressing 19 19 0 0 0 0
Total 4851 4844 2 2 1 3

Table Notes

Table note e

L. monocytogenes and B.cereus detected in one sample

Return to table note e  referrer

Further details about each investigative and unsatisfactory sample are provided in table 5.

Table 5 – Detailed information about investigative and unsatisfactory multi-ingredient RTE processed food samples requiring refrigeration
Investigative
S. aureus
Farfalle salad
Unknown country of origin
L. monocytogenes
B. cereus enumeration
Hummus dip (category 2)
Unknown country of origin
B. cereus
Wild rice salad
Unknown country of origin
L. monocytogenes
Hummus dip (category 2)
Domestic
Unsatisfactory
L. monocytogenes
Guacamole dip (category 1)
Domestic
L. monocytogenes
Chickpea salad (category 1)
Unknown country of origin
L. monocytogenes
Macaroni salad (category 1)
Imported from the United States

What do the survey results mean?

In this survey, all (100%) of the multi-ingredient RTE processed food samples tested were free of Salmonella spp., C. perfringens and generic E.coli (> 102 MPN/g or CFU/g). Presumptive B. cereus was detected at elevated levels (103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) in 2/3282 (0.06%) of the samples. S. aureus was detected at elevated levels (102 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g) in 1/3282 (0.03%) samples and L. monocytogenes was detected in 5/4851 (0.1%) samples, of which three were considered Category 1 and two were considered Category 2.

Only a few studies similar to ours have been published as most studies on the microbiological quality of RTE foods focus on minimally processed RTE vegetable salads. One Danish studyFootnote 14 published in 2005 investigated the presence of B. cereus (and Bacillus thuringiensis) in retail RTE foods. The study looked at 48 901 samples of fresh fruits and vegetables, heat-treated products (such as sauces) and products with both fresh and heat-treated ingredients (such as sandwiches). The study found that 0.7% of sauces (n=4288), 1.2% of pasta salads (n=593), and 0.9% dressings (n=696) had counts of B. cereus-like organisms of 103 < x ≤ 104 CFU/g. The study also found that 0.4% of sauces (n=4288), 0.3% of pasta salads (n=593), and 0.1% of dressings (n=696) had counts of B. cereus-like organisms of > 104 CFU/g.

A study conducted in 2007Footnote 15 which investigated the microbiological quality of sauces (n=1208) from kebab take-away restaurants in the UK detected the following:

No trends were observed in our study when comparing domestic vs. imported product (table 3) or product type (table 4). It is however interesting to note all (3/3) of the investigative dip samples were hummus (table 5). A total of 309 hummus samples were tested.

The CFIA conducted appropriate follow-up activities such as facility inspections and additional sampling. Recalls were issued in response to those Category 1 L. monocytogenes positive samples where the affected product was still on the market. The source of contamination was determined in one case and preventive and corrective actions were implemented by the manufacturing facilities. No reported illnesses were associated with any of the contaminated products.

Overall, our survey results suggest that almost all multi-ingredient RTE processed foods available for purchase at retail in Canada are safe for consumption. They can however be found to be contaminated with pathogens such as those found in this study: B. cereus, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. Consequently, as with all foods, safe handling practices are recommended for producers, retailers and consumers.

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