Infographic: Farm to Fork: FoodNet Canada 2018 Results

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Organization: Health Canada

Type: Infographic

ISBN: 978-0-660-32676-4

Published: 2019-12

2018 Results

Most Common Pathogens:

Farm (manure samples)

Campylobacter in swine (73–81%)
Campylobacter in turkey (35-79%)
Campylobacter in feedlot beef (77%)* (*significant increase from 2017)
Salmonella in turkey (56–82*%) (*significant increase from 2017)

Water

Shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC) in irrigation water (4**-53%) (**significant decrease from 2017)
Also identified: Campylobacter and Salmonella in irrigation water (up to 16%)

Food

Campylobacter in skinless chicken breasts (26-54%)
Salmonella in frozen raw breaded chicken products (21-37*%) (*significant increase from 2017)
Listeria monocytogenes in frozen raw breaded chicken products (24-29%) and ground beef (17-26%)

Percentages represent samples tested across sentinel sites

Human Cases

Campylobacter (39%)
Salmonella (26%)
Giardia (14%)

Of cases reported to FoodNet Canada of these pathogens, 25% were travel-acquired and 59% were acquired in Canada

Key Highlights:

Poultry and poultry products are significant sources of both Campylobacter and Salmonella for humans. Other sources, such as irrigation water, may also cause human illness.

The first year of results from a two year targeted study found that 62% of bivalve molluscs sampled contained Vibrio spp. and 27% contained generic E. coli. As these products are typically consumed raw, this could pose a risk to consumers.

Although travel was an important factor (for 25% of reported illnesses), the majority of enteric illness was acquired in Canada.

Food safety risks for human illness vary across the country. Continued monitoring of emerging issues causing human illness, such as Listeria in pork sausages, chicken breast, and ground beef in independent vs. chain stores, is important.

About FoodNet Canada

Conducts surveillance to determine what foods and other sources are making Canadians ill;
Determines significant risk factors for enteric illness;
Accurately tracks disease rates and risks over time;
Provides practical information to prioritize risks and assess the effectiveness of interventions;
Examines regional differences to provide a better understanding of the human health risks, and their differences, across Canada.