Listeria contamination: Canadian authorities recall several Silk and Great Value products due to possible listeria contamination

Canadian authorities recall several Silk and Great Value products due to possible Listeria contamination

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has ordered a nationwide recall of 18 Silk and Great Value brand beverages due to a potential risk of Listeria contamination, which can cause serious illness in the public.

The agency had notified the public about almond, oat, coconut and cashew milk, which were part of the recall triggered by the investigation of an outbreak of foodborne illness. These products may be contaminated with Listeria monoctyogenes.

While there is no official data on how many people have contracted the disease, Globalnews reported that nine people in the province have contracted the disease and five have been hospitalized, according to one of Ontario’s leading doctors.

According to the CFIA, it is difficult to identify a food contaminated with Listeria because it does not cause a bad smell or a change in appearance. However, it can cause serious illness in the body.

The most common symptoms of listeria infection include intestinal problems such as cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, fever, stiff neck, headaches and muscle pain can also occur. In exceptional cases, however, the disease can also be fatal.

CFIA also informed the public that a food safety investigation is ongoing, which may result in additional product recalls. The agency urged the public not to consume these recalled products, which have an expiration date through October 4.

Ontario’s chief medical officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, has instructed people to check their refrigerators for these products. If they find any, they should either return them to the store or throw them away, but under no circumstances should they eat them.

Listeria monocytogenes normally thrives in soil and causes food-borne illness in humans. Experts say people should practice good hygiene practices and pay attention to personal hygiene to prevent contracting this infection.

The elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to this disease. Especially in pregnant women, the infection can cause mild symptoms but can lead to premature birth, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth, according to the CFIA.