2 deaths in listeriosis outbreak linked to plant-based milk recall, Health Canada says

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, which have occurred out of 12 listeriosis cases — 10 in Ontario, and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia, according to the federal agency’s count — that 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.”

Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled certain Silk and Great Value brands of oat, almond 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 75 cases in 2023, including 14 deaths.