The listeria outbreak in Canada associated with plant-based milk alternatives sold by French dairy giant Danone and retail heavyweight Walmart has been traced back to a facility in Ontario. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) disclosed that the contamination occurred on a “dedicated production line” at a Pickering factory, where a third-party manufacturer named Joriki was identified. The facility was used by Danone for its plant-based Silk beverage brand.
Following the identification of the contaminated line, the CFIA issued a voluntary recall on 15 Silk products, including almond, coconut, and oat variants, along with Walmart’s private-label Great Value plant-based milks. The agency emphasized its commitment to food safety and the health of Canadians, stating that every possible measure is being taken to remove risks to consumers promptly.
Notably, two consumers in Canada have tragically passed away as a result of listeria infections, with an additional ten individuals suffering from infections, primarily in Ontario, along with isolated cases in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The CFIA reported that a significant proportion of those infected are over the age of 60, with a majority being female.
Danone’s foray into dairy-free products began with the acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, the US manufacturer of the Alpro and Silk plant-based dairy-alternative ranges, for $12.5bn in 2016. This move positioned the French dairy giant in the burgeoning market for plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for Canadians to have access to accurate information to instill confidence in Canada’s food safety system. These incidents underscore the importance of stringent food safety measures in the food and beverage industry to protect consumers from potential health risks.
