Parasites in fresh leafy vegetables : April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2016

Abstract

​A targeted survey analysed 2,233 samples of leafy vegetables for the presence of DNA from the following enteric parasites of concern: Cyclospora, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, and Giardia. 98.8% of the samples were found to be satisfactory. Cryptosporidium DNA was detected in two samples and Toxoplasma DNA was detected in three samples. Cyclospora DNA was detected in six samples and Giardia DNA was detected in fifteen samples. Due to methodology limitations and the perishable nature of the products, the time elapsed between sample pick up and the completion of analysis, implicated products were no longer available on the market when the parasite DNA was detected. As such, no direct product action was possible. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the positive samples.