2 deaths in listeriosis outbreak linked to plant-based milk recall, Canadian officials say

Two people in Ontario have died after being sickened with listeriosis, as part of a wider set of cases linked to plant-based beverages that prompted a recall.

The Public Health Agency of Canada in an advisory issued Wednesday night reported the deaths. It said a total of 12 listeriosis cases — 10 in Ontario, and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia — are under investigation.

The agency says people became sick between August 2023 and early July 2024.

In a statement early Thursday, Ontario's Ministry of Health confirmed both deaths occurred within the province.

"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."

Peel Public Health said it has received a report of one case that is linked to the outbreak and that the person died. The agency said the link had been made through whole genome sequencing, or genetic fingerprinting. 

The Ontario Health Ministry would not provide any other details about the illnesses and deaths. 

Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled certain Silk and Great Value brands of oat, almond, almond-cashew and coconut refrigerated beverages over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said the people who have been sickened are 37 to 89 years old and most are women. 

Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said we're probably just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of the number of cases because a lot of people probably haven't gone to the doctor and been tested.

"It's really important to seek that medical attention if you're an older individual, if you're pregnant or if you have a weak immune system," Gupta said. "And of course, anybody who has these products in their home, really important to check if it fits into the criteria of this recall."

For people who do have a weak immune system, doctors prescribe antibiotics if they have diarrhea, Gupta said, adding stronger antibiotics are given if they have a bloodstream infection. Studies suggest if treatment is delayed then rates of complications and deaths increase.

Affected products pulled from store shelves

The president of Danone Canada, the manufacturer of the recalled drinks, said the company was working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the contaminated drinks.

"The news in this notice is devastating and our most sincere sympathies go out to the families and loved ones during this difficult time," Frédéric Guichard wrote in a statement.

Guichard noted the company has conducted the recall and removed affected products from retail shelves.

Danone had previously said the contaminated products were linked to a specific production line at a third-party manufacturer, but authorities have not yet shared how the products were contaminated with Listeria. 

Other Silk products unaffected by the recall were not manufactured in the same plant, Danone said.

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a rare but serious illness with symptoms that may start suddenly and include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation or fever. More severe illness may result in the brain infection meningitis and blood infection in newborns and older adults.

In recent years, about 134 cases of invasive listeriosis have been reported annually in the country, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Of these, Public Health Ontario reported 69 cases in 2023. So far this year, the province reported 33 cases between January and May.

2 deaths in listeriosis outbreak linked to plant-based milk recall

4 months ago

Duration 2:45

Two people have died after being sickened with listeriosis linked to a recall of some Silk and Great Value plant-based milks, the Public Health Agency of Canada says. According to the agency, the deaths are part of 12 listeriosis cases — 10 in Ontario and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia — that are under investigation.