Of over 3,400 food-safety violations in 2013 connected to exported raw or minimally processed products from 117 countries, the three most common categories of food violating the inspecting countries’ regulations were seafood, vegetables and fruits, accounting for 24%, 20% and 14% of incidents, respectively. The top three countries of origin of the foods associated with the incidents were India, China and Mexico, with 11%, 10% and 8% of violations, respectively. However, along with other countries near the top of the list of violators, the high quantities of their exports made their food more likely to be tested. Hence, sampling may affect the rankings. Contamination by over 135 different pesticides accounted for the highest percentage of violations, at 35%. Contamination by pathogens, and filth or unsanitary conditions followed, at 22% and 16%, respectively. Most countries inspect only a small percentage of imported food. For example, less than 2% of food imports in the US are inspected.

Source: Food Sentry