Several plant-based milks are being pulled off shelves across Canada due to potential Listeria contamination that has resulted in illnesses.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a nationwide recall on Monday, July 8 for 18 beverages sold by the brands Silk and Great Value. This recall includes almond, oat, coconut, and cashew milks.
#CFIArecall: Various Silk and Great Value brand plant based refrigerated beverages recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes https://t.co/OgkxewycaQ
— Canadian Food Inspection Agency (@InspectionCan) July 8, 2024
Details of the Recall
The recall was triggered by an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA urges people across the country not to consume the recalled beverages with expiry dates up to and including October 4. The affected products are being recalled due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Health Impacts
Illnesses related to these recalled products have been reported, although the CFIA has not specified how many people in Canada have fallen sick so far. Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil, which causes foodborne illnesses in humans. Food contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause illness.
Typical symptoms associated with Listeria illness include gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, as well as fever, muscle aches, neck stiffness, and severe headache. In serious cases, it can even cause death.
The risks of Listeria infections are greatest for pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
The recalled products were manufactured by Danone Canada.
Contaminated products include the following, all in 1.89 litre packages with best before dates up to and including Oct. 4, 2024, with specific Universal Product Codes (UPCs):
- Great Value Almond Beverage Unsweetened Original
- Great Value Almond Beverage Original
- Great Value Almond Beverage Vanilla
- Silk Almond and Coconut Unsweetened
- Silk Almond Original
- Silk Almond Dark Chocolate
- Silk Almond Unsweetened
- Silk Almond Unsweetened Vanilla
- Silk Coconut Original
The products below have also been recalled in 1.75 litre containers, with best before dates up to and including Oct. 4, 2024, with specific UPCs:
- Silk Oat Original
- Silk Oat Vanilla
- Silk Oat Dark Chocolate
- Silk Oat Unsweetened
- Silk Oat Unsweetened Vanilla
- Silk Almond and Cashew Unsweetened
- Silk Almond and Cashew Unsweetened Vanilla
As well, Silk Coconut Unsweetened drinks in 1.89 litre cartons with best before dates leading up to and including Sept. 27, 2024, with the UPC 0 25293 00244 9 are being recalled.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
A food safety investigation is ongoing, which may result in additional products being pulled from shelves. Good sanitation practices can help prevent Listeria outbreaks, experts say.
Consumers are advised to check their plant-based beverages for the specified expiry dates and avoid consumption if they fall within the recall period.
You can learn more about the recalled products here.
