Silk Products Return to Grocery Stores After Deadly Listeria Outbreak
Silk plant-based beverages are returning to grocery store shelves after a deadly Listeria outbreak led to the recall of several products.
Danone Canada announced that while the third-party production facility in Pickering, Ontario, where the recalled items were manufactured, remains closed amid an ongoing investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), production has resumed at other locations.
This news follows an update from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on Monday, confirming a third death related to the recall of Silk and Great Value brand plant-based milk products. It is not yet clear if the affected Great Value products have also returned to stores.
Ontario’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday that the third victim was from the province, as were the other two individuals who passed away due to the outbreak, as previously reported by CTV News Toronto.
The recalled products, which included almond, oat, cashew, and coconut-based milk alternatives, were pulled from shelves on July 8. Since then, PHAC has identified 20 cases of listeriosis, with 13 in Ontario, five in Quebec, and one each in Nova Scotia and Alberta. Fifteen of those affected required hospitalization.
According to the CFIA, those who fell ill developed symptoms between August 2023 and early July 2024, with the majority being adults over 50. CFIA data reveals that at least 17 of the infections began in June and July.
Officials warn that more cases may still be reported due to the long incubation period for listeriosis, which ranges from nine to 29 days.
The CFIA has confirmed that the contaminated products were distributed nationwide.
Listeriosis symptoms can appear as early as three days after consuming contaminated food or as late as 70 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, constipation, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the bacteria can affect the nervous system, leading to a stiff neck, confusion, headache, and loss of balance.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, those over 60, pregnant women, and their unborn or newborn babies are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms.
If you have any of the recalled products, which are listed in detail here, the CFIA advises that you dispose of them or return them to the retailer. If you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of a Listeria infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
