Listeria Contamination Leads to Recall of Silk and Great Value Plant-Based Beverages Across Canada

Health officials in Canada have issued a widespread recall of several Silk and Great Value refrigerated plant-based beverages due to a potential listeria contamination, prompting concerns among consumers.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is at the forefront of this recall, urging stores nationwide to immediately halt the sale, distribution, and consumption of the affected products, which were manufactured by Danone Canada.

Among the recalled items are various Silk and Great Value plant-based drinks in 1.89 litre packages with best before dates up to and including Oct. 24, 2024.

Additionally, 1.75 litre containers of the same products with the same best before dates are also included in the recall, raising alarm bells for consumers who have purchased these items recently.

Health authorities have pointed out that while food contaminated with listeria may not exhibit obvious signs of spoilage, consuming such products can lead to serious symptoms including vomiting, nausea, fever, and headaches.

Siyun Wang, a prominent food safety engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the dangers of listeria, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women and the elderly.

According to Wang, recent studies suggest that pathogens like listeria tend to thrive more in plant-based milk than in traditional cow’s milk, highlighting the necessity for stringent quality control measures in the production process.

A spokesperson for Danone Canada expressed deep concern over the situation, attributing the contamination to a specific production line operated by a third-party manufacturer based in Ontario.

The company’s swift response in initiating the recall and conducting a thorough investigation underscores their commitment to consumer safety and regulatory compliance, aiming to prevent further health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated beverages.

With ongoing investigations and efforts to address the root cause of the contamination, consumers are advised to heed the recall notices and prioritize their health and well-being when it comes to selecting food and beverage products.