The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reports that the recent Listeria contamination affecting several plant-based milks originated from a factory in Pickering, Ont.
This contamination occurred on a “dedicated production line” at Joriki, which is a third-party beverage packaging facility used by Danone Canada, a plant-milk manufacturer.
The agency noted that the production line has been “completely disassembled while inspection at the facility is ongoing.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed 18 cases of listeriosis linked to Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, oat milk, and almond-cashew milk, as well as Great Value brand almond milk.
These confirmed cases were reported in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia and included 13 hospitalizations and two fatalities.
According to Ontario’s health ministry, both deaths occurred in that province, specifically identified by local health units as Toronto and Peel.
Listeriosis expert unpacks plant-based milk recall and how to stay safe
Two individuals in Ontario have passed away after getting sick with listeriosis linked to some Silk and Great Value plant-based milks. Catherine Donnelly, a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont who has researched listeria for decades, advises consumers to pay attention to recall notices and check their refrigerators if they think they may have consumed any of these products. Watch her full interview with Amy Smith.
The recall for these plant milks was first issued on July 8. Health experts indicate that Listeria can cause illness up to two months after consuming contaminated products.
“From the time you eat it to the time you have symptoms is what’s causing this to linger,” said microbiologist Lori Burrows, a professor in Mc Master University’s department of biochemistry and biomedical sciences.
The affected products carry best-before dates up through Oct. 4 and feature the number 7825 in their product code according to the recall notice.
“No production on this dedicated production line will restart until necessary corrective measures are implemented and CFIA is satisfied that any contamination has been identified and eliminated,” stated CFIA in an announcement on Wednesday.
“Danone Canada and Joriki Inc. (Pickering) have been fully engaged in the ongoing food safety investigation aimed at determining the source of contamination while implementing corrective measures such as enhanced safety protocols for production,” continued their statement.
Justin Giovannetti, a class-action lawyer with Slater Vecchio LLP based in Vancouver encouraged those who believe they’ve suffered injuries after consuming one of these products to document details about their illness if possible.
“Individuals who consumed these products and got ill deserve access to justice,” he said.
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Company Indicates No Other Products Are Affected
Joriki stated it has been collaborating with Danone and the federal food inspection agency during the ongoing inspection. The company mentioned it immediately halted production of the products at its Pickering plant once it became aware of potential contamination. “We were deeply saddened to learn that two Canadians have died from Listeria infections and wish to extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones, as well as any Canadian who has been harmed by the outbreak,” Joriki said in a statement Wednesday. “We have no indication that any other products are affected, as the recalled products were limited to one dedicated line at our Pickering plant.” WATCH | What consumers should pay attention to when food or drink products are recalled:
Listeriosis expert unpacks plant-based milk recall and how to stay safe
Two individuals in Ontario have passed away after getting sick with listeriosis linked to some Silk and Great Value plant-based milks. Catherine Donnelly, a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont who has researched listeria for decades, advises consumers to pay attention to recall notices and check their refrigerators if they think they may have consumed any of these products. Watch her full interview with Amy Smith.
The recall for these plant milks was first issued on July 8. Health experts indicate that Listeria can cause illness up to two months after consuming contaminated products.
“From the time you eat it to the time you have symptoms is what’s causing this to linger,” said microbiologist Lori Burrows, a professor in Mc Master University’s department of biochemistry and biomedical sciences.
The affected products carry best-before dates up through Oct. 4 and feature the number 7825 in their product code according to the recall notice.
“No production on this dedicated production line will restart until necessary corrective measures are implemented and CFIA is satisfied that any contamination has been identified and eliminated,” stated CFIA in an announcement on Wednesday.
“Danone Canada and Joriki Inc. (Pickering) have been fully engaged in the ongoing food safety investigation aimed at determining the source of contamination while implementing corrective measures such as enhanced safety protocols for production,” continued their statement.
Justin Giovannetti, a class-action lawyer with Slater Vecchio LLP based in Vancouver encouraged those who believe they’ve suffered injuries after consuming one of these products to document details about their illness if possible.
“Individuals who consumed these products and got ill deserve access to justice,” he said.Source link
