Two dead in Listeria outbreak in Canada linked to Silk and Great Value brand plant-based milk

Two people have died in Canada in a Listeria outbreak linked to plant-based milk products.

The implicated products, Silk brand and Great Value brand plant-based milk, have been recalled. Click here for a list of recalled products.

As of July 18, the outbreak included 12 patients, nine of whom have been hospitalized. Two of the patients have died. The patients are between 37 and 89 years old.

The sick people live in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, according to the Canada Public Health. The two deaths were reported in Ontario.

The patients became ill between August 2023 and July 2024. The investigation is ongoing and the outbreak is considered ongoing. Many of the ill people reported drinking the recalled plant-based beverages before becoming sick.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first reported on the infections on July 9. It can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop, so additional patients could be identified.

On July 8 the agency posted a recall notice for the implicated products.

“I strongly advise the public, especially those at high risk for listeriosis, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems, to make sure they do not consume these recalled products,” said Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with local public health agencies, Public Health Ontario, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the recall of the implicated products.

Anyone who thinks they got sick from consuming one of the recalled products, most of which have best-before dates up to and including Oct. 4, should seek medical advice from their health care provider.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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