Infographic: FoodNet Canada 2019 integrated findings report

The Public Health Agency of Canada's FoodNet Canada Surveillance System: the integrated sentinel site surveillance network for enteric disease in Canada.

Key findings

The key findings in enteric disease rates, trends, and potential disease sources from farm-to-fork were:

• Campylobacteriosis was the most commonly reported enteric disease in 2019 with an endemic incidence rate of 20 cases per 100,000 population.
• Salmonellosis was the second most commonly reported enteric disease in 2019 with an endemic incidence rate of 9 cases per 100,000 population.
• Poultry contact and meat products were key sources of infection for Campylobacter and Salmonella.

Salmonella

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) was the most common serovar causing endemic human infection in 2019. There was a significant decrease in:

• The annual endemic incidence rate since 2017.
• Prevalence among frozen breaded chicken products (FBCP) and broiler chicken manure samples since 2018.

The significant decrease of SE on FBCP is associated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency directive to industry to reduce Salmonella to below detectable limits in FBCP that are packaged for retail sale by April 1, 2019.^{Footnote i}

Salmonella Reading was the top serovar among outbreak-related cases in 2019 and was also one of the top serovars identified in turkey manure samples.

Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC)

The incidence rate of non-O157 STEC increased in 2018 and 2019, reflecting an increase in testing of non-O157.

Increased non-O157 STEC testing allows for the identification of common serogroups across FoodNet Canada components which helps identify exposure sources.

International travel

25% of reported cases of enteric disease between 2015-2019 were classified as international travel-related. The majority were infected with Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Giardia.

Listeria monocytogenes (includes Quebec site data)

Small stores (e.g., butcher shops) had a higher prevalence of Listeria on ground beef sampled versus large grocery store chains in 2019. The prevalence of Listeria on ground beef samples was:

• Small stores: 35%
• Large stores: 22%

The overall prevalence of Listeria on ground beef was 25% in 2019. Raw or undercooked ground beef is a potential source for Listeria infection.

Targeted sampling activities

Farmers' markets

In 2019, a higher prevalence of Campylobacter, Listeria, and STEC was found among certain retail meats collected from farmers' markets, compared with those collected from grocery stores, representing a potential emerging source of foodborne illness.

Seafood

In 2018 and 2019, the bacteria most frequently found in these samples was Vibrio. The prevalence of Vibrio was 53% in mussels and 75% in oysters.

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; and
• Provides practical information to prioritize risks and assess the effectiveness of interventions.

Figure 1 - Text description

A map showing the provinces and territories of Canada highlights the provinces where the four FoodNet Canada sites are located. The sentinel sites are located in British Columbia (Fraser Health), Alberta (Alberta Health Services: Calgary and Central Zones), Ontario (Middlesex-London Health Unit), and Quebec (Région sociosanitaire de la Montérégie).

The Quebec sentinel site was established in July 2019. For this report, Quebec site data were excluded from most analyses.

Information about FoodNet Canada is available online.

Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following safe food handling practices. Learn more about food safety.

FoodNet Canada's email address is fnc-rac@phac-aspc.gc.ca

^© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2024

Cat.: HP40-220/2018E-2-PDF ISBN: 978-0-660-32676-4 Pub.: 190369