18 plant-based milk alternatives from the Silk and Great Value brands recalled in Canada due to deaths and illnesses caused by listeria

Toronto —Two people in Canada have died from listeria infection after consuming plant-based milk alternatives from Danone’s Silk and Walmart’s Great Value brands, Canada’s Health Ministry said in an updated statement Wednesday. More than a dozen products have been recalled.

The ministry said 10 more people – eight in Ontario and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia – became ill and were hospitalized between August 2023 and this month in cases possibly linked to the products. Nearly 60% of people with listeria infections are over 60, the ministry said.

“Many patients reported drinking recalled herbal beverages before their illness began,” Health Canada said.

French food giant Danone, which owns the Silk brand, said on its website that the recalled drinks were made at a third-party manufacturing facility. The factory has been closed for all operations while work continues to confirm the origin of the listeria infections.

“While the investigation to determine the exact cause is ongoing, we have acted quickly and preemptively recalled all Silk chilled beverage products manufactured at this third-party manufacturing facility,” Silk Canada said on its website. “We will not resume operations there until the investigation is complete and we are satisfied with the resolution.”

“The news in this announcement is devastating and our sincere condolences go out to the families and loved ones during this difficult time,” Frédéric Guichard, president of Danone Canada, said in a statement, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Walmart Canada has listed the recall, which affects three of the company’s Great Value brand products sold in the country, on its website.

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, is a bacterial disease that can affect anyone who eats contaminated food. It can cause serious illness, including infections that can spread to the brain and/or blood. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle pain, confusion and, in severe cases, loss of balance, according to the Health Canada warning.

“While healthy people can also become ill from Listeria infection, the disease can be fatal to unborn babies, newborns, people over 60 and people with weakened immune systems,” Health Canada said in a statement.

Last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced a recall of 18 Silk and Great Value brand chilled beverages due to possible listeria contamination. According to the notice, the drinks were chilled beverages containing oats, almonds and coconut.