Plant-Based Refrigerated Beverages linked to listeria outbreak

Canada

####Update October 11, 2024

The outbreak appears to be over and the outbreak investigation has been closed.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2024/outbreak-listeria-infections-recalled-refrigerated-plant-based-beverages.html

Update: Aug 13, 2024

There are 20 laboratory-confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes illness linked to this outbreak in:
Alberta (1)
Ontario (13)
Quebec (5)
Nova Scotia (1)
People became sick between August 2023 and mid-July 2024. Of the cases reported to us, fifteen people have been hospitalized and three individuals have died. Many people who became sick reported drinking recalled plant-based beverages before their illnesses occurred.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2024/outbreak-listeria-infections-recalled-refrigerated-plant-based-beverages.html

Update: July 30, 2024

There are 18 laboratory-confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes illness linked to this outbreak in Alberta (1), Ontario (12), Quebec (4), Nova Scotia (1). People became sick between August 2023 and early July 2024. Of the cases reported to us, thirteen people have been hospitalized and two individuals have died. Many people who became sick reported drinking recalled plant-based beverages before their illnesses occurred.

This outbreak may not be limited to the provinces or territories with known illnesses because the recalled plant-based beverages were distributed to nationally

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2024/outbreak-listeria-infections-recalled-refrigerated-plant-based-beverages.html

July 17, 2024

An outbreak of Listeria infections has been linked to various recalled plant-based refrigerated beverages. As of now, there have been 12 reported illnesses across Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, with 9 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. The majority of the cases are females and individuals aged 60 or older.

Listeriosis is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be fatal, especially for unborn babies, newborns, individuals over age 60, and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and headache.

The beverages recalled are from the Silk and Great Value brands. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued food recall warnings for these products.

Consumers are advised not to consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products. They should be returned to the location where they were purchased.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2024/outbreak-listeria-infections-recalled-refrigerated-plant-based-beverages.html