Another death reported during the outbreak has been traced to Silk and Great Value plant-based drinks

A third person has died in connection with a listeria outbreak linked to recalled plant-based refrigerated beverage products, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute various recalled plant-based refrigerated beverages,” according to an Aug. 12 update from the national agency.

A number of Silk and Great Value products have been recalled. To view the recalled products, visit the recall-recalls.canada.ca website.

The federal agency said 20 illnesses have been reported: 13 in Ontario, five in Quebec and one each in Alberta and Nova Scotia. There have been 15 hospitalizations related to this outbreak.

An investigation is ongoing and the public health notice will be updated as the investigation develops, authorities said.

“Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute various recalled plant-based refrigerated beverages,” the government agency said in its update.

The recalled products were produced at a manufacturing plant in Pickering, where plant operators work with Canadian health inspectors.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Danone Canada and its Pickering-based third-party manufacturer, Joriki Inc., “immediately ceased production and distribution of all affected products” after becoming aware of the bacteria found at several of the company’s factories brands Silk and Great Value. based on chilled drinks.

“All affected products were made on a dedicated production line, which has been completely disassembled while factory inspection is ongoing,” the agency said. “No production on this dedicated production line will restart until the necessary corrective actions have been implemented and the CFIA is satisfied that any contamination has been identified and eliminated.”

Danone and Joriki are working to “identify the source of the contamination and are implementing corrective actions, including enhanced safety and production protocols.”

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten recalled products and developed symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell his or her doctor about the possible exposure to Listeria.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming 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. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.

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

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