Listeria outbreak in plant-based beverages from Silk and Great Value

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), plant-based beverages made by Silk and Great Value are linked to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in Canada. The recall notice states that there have been reported illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Ontario Ministry of Health, said in a statement: “On July 8, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a recall affecting certain Silk® and Great Value brand plant-based chilled beverages because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers are asked to visit the CFIA website for a complete list of all recalled products and to visit the website regularly as additional products may be recalled as the food safety investigation continues.”

Ontario residents are reminded to check their refrigerators for the recalled products. If any are found, they should be immediately discarded or returned to the place where they were purchased. Do not consume recalled products. Listeria contamination does not change the smell, taste or appearance of food.

As of July 8, 2024, nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been reported in Ontario as part of an ongoing investigation related to the recalled products. There have been five hospitalizations related to this outbreak investigation.”

Although the only reported illnesses were in Ontario, these products were sold at retail locations across Canada. You can view the long list of recalled products, along with the package size, UPC number and codes, on the CFIA website.

The recalled products include Great Value Almond Beverage Unsweetened Original, Silk Almond & Coconut Unsweetened, Silk Almond Dark Chocolate, Silk Almond Original, Silk Almond Original, Silk Oat Original and Silk Almond & Cashew Unsweetened.

Please check your pantry and refrigerator to see if you have purchased these plant-based beverages from Silk and Great Value. If so, do not consume them. You can throw them away or return them to the store where you purchased them and receive a full refund.

If you have consumed these products and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, see your doctor. You may be part of this outbreak.