Reported outbreaks show the potential public health implications
that S. aureus and MRSA contaminated foods can cause. This
study indicates that the presence of S. aureus in food associated
with foodborne outbreaks and investigations is a cause for concern
in Alberta. Although MRSA was not found in the food samples
tested, the potential remains to exist for serious foodborne
outbreaks. Foodborne illness due to MRSA has been documented
causing severe symptoms, illustrating the potential impact that this
pathogen can have on human health (Jones et al., 2002; Kluytmans
et al., 1995). Food poisoning events are often underreported, and