The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall that affects certain Silk® and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
As of July 8, 2024, nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been reported in Ontario as part of an ongoing investigation that is linked to the recalled products. There have been five hospitalizations associated with this outbreak investigation. To date, Hamilton Public Health Services has not received or investigated any confirmed reports of listeriosis linked to these recalled products.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis. The median time from exposure to Listeria until symptoms develop is typically two to three weeks, but can be as long as 70 days. Listeriosis usually manifests as a mild flu-like illness. Symptoms may start suddenly and include: vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation, or fever. Pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. More severe illness may result in meningitis and blood infection in newborns and older adults.
Please review the CFIA’s website for a complete listing of all recalled products and visit the website regularly as there may be recalls of additional products as the food safety investigation continues.
Affected and recalled products:
What you should do:
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Facilities, including LTCH, Retirement Homes, and Child Care facilities, and consumers are asked to check for the recalled products.
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If found, these products should be immediately discarded or returned to the location where they were purchased.
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Do not consume any recalled products. Contamination with Listeria does not change the smell, taste or appearance of food.
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If you think you have become sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider.
The Ministry of Health is working closely with Local Public Health Agencies, Public Health Ontario, the CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the recall of these products.