Plant-Based Milk Recall: Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Two Deaths
Two people have died following a listeriosis outbreak that prompted a national recall of certain plant-based milks, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Wednesday.
The recall, initiated earlier this month, affects Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, and oat milk, as well as Great Value brand almond milk. Most of these products have best-before dates up to and including October 4. Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled products or return them to the purchase location.
The Public Health Agency’s notice reported 12 laboratory-confirmed cases of listeriosis, resulting in nine hospitalizations. The cases include 10 in Ontario, one in Quebec, and one in Nova Scotia. The affected individuals are between 37 and 89 years old, with women accounting for 67% of the cases. The illnesses occurred between August 2023 and early July 2024.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warned that products contaminated with Listeria might not show signs of spoilage but can still cause illness. Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Pregnant individuals may experience mild, flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to serious complications such as premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.
Danone Canada’s president, Frederic Guichard, confirmed that the 15 Silk refrigerated beverage products recalled have been removed from store shelves. “We are working with the utmost seriousness and in close partnership with the authorities to thoroughly investigate and shed light on the circumstances surrounding this event,” Guichard stated.
Historically, listeriosis outbreaks in Canada have been severe. In 2008, a listeriosis outbreak linked to cold cuts from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto resulted in 22 deaths.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 17, 2024.
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