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Three people in Ontario have died as a result of a Listeria outbreak linked to plant-based milk products produced in the province. The outbreak has been traced to products under the Great Value and Silk brands, with the source of contamination identified at a factory in Pickering, Ontario. The factory is a third-party beverage packaging facility operated by Joriki and used by Danone Canada, the producer of the affected plant-based milks.
About the outbreak
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has reported 20 confirmed cases of listeriosis across four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta. The ages of those affected range from seven to 89 years, with a significant proportion (70%) being over 50 years old. Among those affected, 15 individuals have been hospitalized.
Consumer behavior
The products implicated in the outbreak include various types of plant-based milks, such as oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk and almond-cashew milk under the Silk brand, as well as almond milk under the Great Value brand. These products, which have best before dates up to and including October 4, 2024, and contain the product code number 7825, have been recalled across Canada.
The importance of food safety practices
This incident highlights the importance of robust food safety practices, even when it comes to products that are often perceived as healthier alternatives to traditional dairy.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, can survive and grow in refrigerated environments, making it particularly dangerous in ready-to-eat or minimally processed foods. For vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, listeriosis can be life-threatening.
Recommendations for consumers
Health authorities are advising consumers to check their homes for any of the affected products. If found, these products should be discarded immediately or returned to the place of purchase.
Additionally, consumers should remain alert for symptoms of listeriosis, which include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can lead to more serious conditions, such as meningitis or septicemia.
The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) urges both consumers and food manufacturers to prioritize food safety by adhering to stringent hygiene and food handling standards. This outbreak serves as a reminder that even products marketed as healthy and safe can pose risks if proper safety measures are not strictly followed.
Food safety training
Businesses involved in the handling, preparing or serving of food have a legal obligation to ensure that it is safe for consumption, and professional food safety training has a critical role to play in achieving this.
CIFS provides a comprehensive Food Handler Certification Course recognised as the industry standard for Food Handlers in Canada. The online course equips participants with a better understanding of food safety hazards, how they arise and how to prevent them from impacting consumer health.
Enroll with CIFS today and do your bit to prevent foodborne illness in Canada. Want to know more before you sign up? Get in touch with our team, they will be happy to discuss all the benefits of this training program.
