The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced the results of a study, which revealed that the tomato samples that were analyzed during routine testing were free of contamination and were safe for human consumption.
The study showed that the samples were not contaminated with Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli 0157:H7/NM and generic E. Coli.
During the routine testing, CFIA analyzed 1,414 domestic and imported tomato samples (conventional and organic) collected from Canadian retail stores for Salmonella, Shigella and generic E. coli. More than 300 of the tomato samples (imported organic and conventional domestic) were also analyzed for E. coli 0157:H7 and E. coli 0157:NM.
Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli O157 are bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness. Raw fresh produce can occasionally become contaminated with these harmful bacteria at various stages of their production. The consumption of contaminated produce, including tomatoes, can cause foodborne illness in humans.
The CFIA routinely tests tomatoes for pathogens to ensure they remain safe for Canadian consumers.
