Concerns continue to be raised about listeria contamination in certain types of plant-based beverages. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently announced a recall of various Silk and Great Value brand plant based refrigerated drinks.
Officials say as of July 8th, there have been nine confirmed cases associated with the outbreak, including five hospitalizations.
Given the long shelf-life of these products, public health officials are asking any residents that may have these products in their homes to check their refrigerators and discarding recalled products immediately.
Consumers are encouraged to visit the CFIA website for a complete list of all products that have been recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious but rare illness, that can cause mild flu-like symptoms. A more severe illness may result in meningitis and blood infection in newborns and older adults.
Contamination with Listeria does not change the smell, taste or appearance of food.
The Ministry of Health is working with local public health agencies, Public Health Ontario, the CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the recall.