Microbial Survey: Ontario Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

What were the goals of this study?

To obtain a microbial profile of selected Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables

How did we conduct the study?

• Researchers collected samples at random from retail distribution centres, farmers markets and organic wholesale locations
• Produce included in study were:
  - Muskmelon
  - Scallions and green onions
  - Leaf lettuce
  - Organic leaf lettuce
  - Parsley
  - Cilantro
  - Fresh Market tomatoes
• Researchers analyzed samples for generic E. coli, verotoxic E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella.

What were our findings?

Fig 1: Number of samples obtained for each commodity sample

Fig 2: Prevalence and levels of generic E. coli for each commodity

• No samples were positive for Shigella or verotoxic E. coli
• 1 fresh market tomato sample was positive for Salmonella
• 1 organic lettuce sample was positive for Salmonella

Our conclusions

• We found the highest prevalence of generic E. coli in parsley > organic leaf lettuce > leaf lettuce > scallions > cilantro > muskmelon > head lettuce and tomatoes.
• Commodities with more areas for microbes to attach (for example, with crevices, lots of texture) showed higher prevalence for generic E. coli. Leafy greens showed higher prevalence than head lettuce and tomatoes.