Bacterial pathogens on in-shell nuts and in shelled nuts and nut butters : April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2015

Abstract

​A targeted survey analysed 2,400 in-shell nut samples, 2,612 shelled nut samples, and 1,142 nut butter samples for Salmonella, E. coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes (nut butters only), and generic E. coli. E. coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes and generic E. coli were not found in any of the samples. Salmonella was found in five in-shell nut samples. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted appropriate follow-up activities. All five Salmonella positive samples resulted in recalls of the affected products. No illnesses were reported in association with any of the Salmonella positive samples.