Health Canada reported that two individuals in Canada tragically lost their lives due to infections caused by listeria after consuming popular milk substitutes produced under the Silk and Great Value brands. Additionally, there have been 10 confirmed cases of infections, with the majority affecting residents of Ontario.
Product Contamination Details
Silk, a brand owned by Danone, disclosed on their website that the contaminated beverages were manufactured in a third-party facility. The specific factory responsible for the contamination has not been named, but it is located in Ontario and all affected products were distributed only within Canada.
Recall and Investigation
Last week, the Canada Food Inspection Agency issued a recall for 18 of the plant-based drinks manufactured by Danone’s Canadian subsidiary. This recall included products sold in milk cartons, which are often considered a healthier alternative to traditional dairy milk.
Danone Canada’s President, Frédéric Guichard, expressed deep concern over the situation and emphasized the company’s collaboration with authorities to investigate the contamination incident thoroughly.
Health Concerns and Impact
Health Canada revealed that the infected individuals are predominantly from Ontario, with two cases reported in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The department noted that over half of the affected individuals are over the age of 60, highlighting the increased risk of severe complications among older adults.
Listeria infections can lead to various symptoms such as nausea, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and fever. Notably, contaminated products may not exhibit any unusual odors or visual signs of spoilage.
Previous Listeria Outbreak in Canada
The mention of listeria recalls memories of a 2008 incident involving Maple Leaf Foods, a major Canadian meat producer. Back then, products tainted with listeria from the company caused 22 fatalities and made 57 others sick, sparking public outrage and criticism towards the government’s response to the crisis.
