Qualitative Risk Assessment: Cyclospora cayetanensis on Fresh Raspberries and Blackberries Imported into Canada

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite of the human small intestine that may cause diarrheal illness. In Canada and the U.S., foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been identified annually since 1995 and have been associated largely with the consumption of imported fresh produce. Epidemiological and traceback studies implicated imported fresh raspberries and blackberries as the sources of the early outbreaks in North America. While many other commodities have been associated with outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in recent years, imported fresh berries continue to be a concern. This qualitative risk assessment discusses the biology and epidemiology of C. cayetanensis, potential exposure to the parasite in Canada through the consumption of imported fresh raspberries and blackberries, the severity of symptoms and available diagnostic methods and treatments, methods for food testing, and control methods for minimizing contamination of fresh produce and the potential for foodborne transmission to humans. This risk assessment, and the information gaps with respect to contamination of these berries and the risk to consumers in Canada, may be used in the development of future policies and risk management decisions, as well as in project planning.