Food Microbiology - Targeted Survey - Scientific Publication - Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Risk Characterization Based on Virulence Genes in Retail Raw Ground Meat of Beef, Veal, and Lamb in Canada - 2016 to 2021

Between 2016 and 2021, 2398 samples of raw ground beef, veal and lamb were collected at retail stores across Canada. Samples were tested for STEC O157 and non-O157 STEC. STEC O157 and non-O157 STEC were found in 0.1% (3/2398) and 6.0% (145/2398) of the ground meat samples respectively. The prevalence of STEC O157 in Canadian retail raw ground meat is low, similar to ground beef produced from processing facilities. All STEC virulence gene profiles were assessed using criteria of the FAO/WHO risk categories and the majority of the STEC strains were classified as belonging to risk level 5 which is the lowest risk level. This study indicates that the current food safety control measures implemented for ground meats in Canada are effective at maintaining an acceptable level of possible contamination with STEC strains associated with severe clinical outcomes.