Listeria bacteria: Two Canadians die after consuming plant-based milk

Two people have died after plant-based milk drinks made from cashews, almonds, coconut and oats were contaminated with Listeria bacteria.

• Also Read: Listeria bacteria: Many plant milks are subject to recall

The deaths were confirmed in an updated advisory from the Public Health Agency of Canada on Wednesday evening.

The company said nine people who drank the recalled Silk and Great Value brand products were hospitalized, without giving further details.

“The news of this notice is upsetting and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones at this difficult time,” Frédéric Guichard, president of silk products distributor Danone Canada, said later in the evening.

One case of food contamination with this bacteria has been reported in Quebec, 10 in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia. Those affected ranged in age from 37 to 89 years. More than half (58%) of cases affect Canadians over the age of 60.

The recalled plant-based milk drinks have an expiration date of October 4, 2024, except for Silk Unsweetened Coconut Drink, which has an expiration date of September 27, 2024.

The products are available in grocery stores in 1.75 liter and 1.89 liter sizes. They are distributed across Canada.

The president of Danone Canada assured that the company has “removed all affected products from the shelves”.

“We are working with the utmost seriousness and in close partnership with the authorities to thoroughly investigate and bring to light the circumstances surrounding this incident,” he added.

If you have any of these products, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends throwing them away or returning them to the store where they were purchased.

Listeria infection can be fatal to unborn children, newborns, people over 60 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems.