Two dead in listeria outbreak in Canada linked to plant milks from Silk and Great Value brands

In Canada, two people have died in a listeria outbreak linked to plant-based dairy products.

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

As of July 18, the outbreak has affected 12 patients, nine of whom have been hospitalized. Two of the patients have died. The patients range in age from 37 to 89 years.

According to the Canadian Public Health Agency, the sick people live in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. 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 those affected reported drinking the recalled herbal beverages before becoming ill.

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

On July 8, the agency issued a recall notice for the affected products.

“I strongly advise the public, particularly those at high risk of listeriosis such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, not to consume these recalled products,” said Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health.

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

Anyone who believes they have become ill after consuming one of the recalled products – most of which have a best-before date up to and including October 4 – should consult their doctor.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has consumed one of the recalled products and has developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and inform their doctor of the possible Listeria exposure.

In addition, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor for symptoms in the following weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Special laboratory tests are needed to diagnose a Listeria infection, which can mimic other diseases.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are especially at risk of severe illness, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infection can result in premature birth, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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