Nine confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes in Ontario, Canada, have been linked to consumption of Silk brand plant-based beverages, according to a statement released today by the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Five of the outbreak victims have been hospitalized.

As of this writing, the Public Health Agency of Canada has not posted an outbreak investigation notice on its website, nor has it responded to our request for information.

Danone has recalled 18 products, marketed under the Silk and Great Value brand names. All of the recalled products bear a product code that includes “7825.”

List of recalled products

The recalled products were manufactured for Danone Canada by a third party located in Ontario and distributed nationwide.

Danone has halted all production and shipments coming from this facility until further notice, pending completion of the investigation.

What consumers need to know

The CFIA has provided the following information and advice for consumers.

• If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
• Check to see if you have recalled products
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
• Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. 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. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.

An outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in Canada has been linked to consumption of Silk brand plant-based beverages, according to a report from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

In a recall notice dated July 8, 2024, the CFIA revealed that there had been reported illnesses associated with the products. However, no details were supplied regarding the size or geographic scope of the outbreak.

Danone Canada has acknowledged “several cases” of potential contamination, and has issued its own news release advising consumers of the recall.

As of this writing, the Public Health Agency of Canada has not posted an outbreak investigation notice on its website, nor has it responded to our request for information.

Danone has recalled 18 products, marketed under the Silk and Great Value brand names. All of the recalled products bear a product code that includes “7825.”

List of recalled products

The recalled products were manufactured for Danone Canada by a third party located in Ontario and distributed nationwide.

Danone has halted all production and shipments coming from this facility until further notice, pending completion of the investigation.

What consumers need to know

The CFIA has provided the following information and advice for consumers.

• If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
• Check to see if you have recalled products
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
• Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. 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. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.