Plant-based milk listeria outbreak linked to Pickering facility

A recent listeria contamination of several plant-based milks has been traced back to an Ontario facility, in Pickering.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released a statement on Wednesday regarding the investigation, after a number of plant-based milks from Silk and Great Value brands were recalled on July 8.

The agency says the contamination happened on a dedicated production line which has now been completely disassembled.

“Danone Canada and Joriki Inc. (Pickering) have been fully engaged in the ongoing food safety investigation to determine the source of the contamination and are implementing corrective measures including enhanced safety and production protocols,” the CFIA said.

There were 18 confirmed cases of listeriosis linked to a number of products including almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk.

Two people in Ontario died, and another 13 people in Canada were hospitalized.

The CFIA says production will not resume until any and all contamination has been identified and eliminated.

Canadians are still being asked to get rid of any products with best before dates up to and including October 4, and the number 7825 in the product code.

READ MORE: Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalls plant-based beverages over Listeria concerns