Several consumers in Canada have become ill with Listeria infections linked to recalled milk alternative products, with two confirmed fatalities.
The contaminated milk alternative beverages, sold in Canada by Danone under its Silk brand and Walmart under its private-label Great Value brand, have been linked to nine hospitalisations and 12 illnesses in total, confirmed by the Canadian government’s Public Health Agency.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the cases of infection with Listeria monocytogenes and issued a national recall of 18 Silk and Great Value products, including various almond, coconut and oat beverages.
The recall was first issued on 8 July. According to the CFIA, it pertains to products with 'All Best Before dates up to and including October 24 2024, and a product code containing 7825.'
The majority of infections have occurred in Ontario, as well as one case each in Quebec and Nova Scotia. 67% of those infected are female, and 58% are aged 60 or older.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal issues, which can be particularly severe for vulnerable populations.
Frédéric Guichard, president of Danone Canada, wrote in a statement: “The news in this notice is devastating and our most sincere sympathies go out to the families and loved ones during this difficult time. We would like to reassure our consumers that we have conducted the recall and have removed the affected products from retail shelves, in close collaboration with our retail partners.”
On its website, Danone said that the contaminated products were produced in a third-party manufacturing facility, and that all refrigerated Silk beverages produced at the site have been preventatively recalled.
Guichard continued: “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. Food safety, quality, and the health of our consumers are, and will always be, at the core of everything we do. We are committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.”
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