Third person dies in Listeria outbreak linked to plant-based milks

Aug 12, 2024 | 12:58 PM

TORONTO — The Public Health Agency of Canada says a third person has died in a Listeria outbreak connected to Great Value and Silk plant-based milks.

The agency says there are now 20 confirmed cases of listeriosis in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta.

The Ontario ministry of health previously confirmed the first two deaths happened in that province.

It’s not yet clear where the third death happened.

The affected products include Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk and oat milk, as well as Great Value brand almond milk with best before dates up to and including Oct. 4.

Last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that the Listeria contamination originated on a dedicated production line at Joriki, a third-party beverage packaging facility in Pickering, Ont., used by manufacturer Danone Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2024.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press