A listeria outbreak in plant-based milk beverages has been linked to a manufacturer in Pickering, Ontario, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says.
In early July, the CFIA issued a recall advising the public not to consume or sell certain plant-based beverages from two Canadian brands under Danone Canada. This included Silk’s almond, coconut and oat milk, as well as three flavours of Great Value’s almond milk.
As of July 30, 18 cases were reported in four provinces across the country, and two people have died from the infection in Ontario, according to the Ministry of Health.
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In a news release on Wednesday, the agency revealed that it has connected the outbreak to third-party manufacturer Joriki Inc., located in Pickering.
“Our highest priority is always food safety and the health of Canadians,” the CFIA said in the statement.
“That is why with the full cooperation of Danone Canada and its third-party manufacturer, Joriki Inc. (Pickering Ontario), alongside Public Health Ontario, the CFIA worked quickly to recall the implicated Silk and Great Value brand products on July 8, 2024.”
Joriki Inc. is a leading Canadian beverage packaging manufacturer, responsible for several major brands of fruit juices, protein drinks, sports drinks and water.
The CFIA says both Danone Canada and Joriki Inc. immediately halted production and distribution of all implicated products.
“Since that time, the CFIA has worked to verify all affected products have been removed from the marketplace and continues to advise Canadians to return or dispose of any recalled products they may have, and to learn the symptoms of listeriosis,” the agency said.
The agency assured that further production on the line will not restart until the CFIA is satisfied that any contamination has been identified and eliminated.
“Danone Canada and Joriki Inc. (Pickering) have been fully engaged in the ongoing food safety investigation to determine the source of the contamination and are implementing corrective measures including enhanced safety and production protocols.”
The CFIA said it will continue to monitor and assess the process to ensure the safety of Canadians.
