Two Deaths and a Dozen Illnesses Linked to Plant-Based Milk Outbreak in Canada

Health Canada announced a plant-based milk outbreak on July 17, 2024. So far, a cluster of a dozen Listeria illnesses and two deaths have been reported.

Here’s what we know.

Plant-Based Milk Outbreak

A cluster of twelve related Listeria illnesses across three provinces and territories have been associated with this plant-based milk outbreak so far. There have been nine illnesses serious enough to require hospitalization.

The majority of cases have been in Ontario (10). Others come from Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Patient interviews indicate that they became sick between August 2023 and early June 2024. Many patients indicate consuming plant-based beverages prior to becoming sick.

According to the agency, it is possible for more cases to come forward.

“More recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials.” Health Canada explains that the reporting period for this outbreak is between nine and 35 days.

Additionally, the agency warns that the outbreak may not be limited to these three indicated provinces or territories. The affected plant-based beverages were distributed nationally and may have made it across the country.

Plant-Based Milk Outbreak Prompts Recall

A recall for various refrigerated plant-based milk products was triggered by findings during a foodborne Listeria outbreak investigation.

Outbreak patients report consuming refrigerated almond, cashew, coconut, and oat milk products from Silk and Great Value prior to becoming sick.

Silk and Great Value Refrigerated Plant-Based Milk Associated with the Outbreak

The full list of recalled products, including refrigerated sweetened, unsweetened, and flavored almond, cashew, coconut, and oat milk Silk and Great Value products can be found here.

Canadian Health Officials Respond to Plant-Based Milk Outbreak

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently conducting a food safety investigation. This investigation may lead to additional recalled products from this or other brands.

Additionally, CFIA is working to ensure that retail stores are removing recalled products from the marketplace to reduce additional exposure events and potentially slow or stop the plant-based milk outbreak growth.

What is Listeria

Listeria is a harmful bacteria responsible for causing the illness, listeriosis. This illness can range from mild to severe, with significant consequences to those who are pregnant.

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria infections affecting the digestive system are most common. However, these sneaky bacteria can make their way outside of the digestive system and into other parts of the body.

Invasive Listeria infections produce different symptoms. These symptoms are unique, in that they can vary between those who are pregnant and those who are not. Those who are pregnant may experience milder symptoms, with the greatest complication relating to the pregnancy.

Intestinal Illness

Intestinal illness is the most common form of listeriosis. This type of Listeria infection takes place in the digestive system.

Most people with intestinal Listeria illness experience vomiting and diarrhea within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food that lasts around 1 to 3 days.

Those with this type of infection generally recover on their own and don’t need antibiotic treatment. Most people are able to treat symptoms by keeping themselves hydrated until the illness runs its course.

Those in the higher risk groups may need medical treatment and antibiotics to recover as they are more likely to experience invasive illness and/or additional complications.

Invasive Illness

Invasive illness occurs when Listeria bacteria move beyond the digestive system and enter parts of the body through the blood stream.

In these situations, listeriosis generally affects pregnant and non-pregnant people differently. Both groups experience invasive illness symptoms about 2 weeks after exposure to contaminated food.

Invasive Illness Symptoms in Non-pregnant People

People who are not pregnant generally experience more severe invasive Listeria symptoms. Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions are all common symptoms. Some may also experience fever and muscle aches (likely the reason listeriosis is commonly called the stomach flu). This type of illness can be serious and life-threatening. In fact, 1 in 20 non-pregnant people with invasive listeriosis will die from their illness!

1 in 20 non-pregnant people with invasive listeriosis die from their illness

Most people with invasive listeriosis require medical treatment and often need hospitalization.

Invasive Illness Symptoms in Pregnant People

Pregnant people often experience milder general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. The greater risk, however, is associated with the pregnancy. Listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.

Listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection in the newborn

People who are pregnant with Listeria infection symptoms should see their healthcare provider right away!

Does This Canadian Plant-Based Milk Outbreak and Recall Affect American Consumers?

The current recall and plant-based milk outbreak appears to be limited to our neighbors to the North, however both Silk and Great Value are sold domestically in the United States.

This begs the question of whether this Canadian plant-based milk outbreak and recall could affect American consumers.

Silk Plant-Based Milk

The Silk plant-based milk company was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1977. However, according to their website, the company also has a Canadian branch. At this time, there is no reason to suspect that affected products were distributed in the United States.

However, our country’s PulseNet and FoodNet databases can capture illnesses if they arise to initiate an investigation of our own.

Great Value Plant-Based Milk

Great Value products are Walmart’s store brands. Some Great Value products are made by the Walmart Corporation, while others are privately labeled and manufactured by mainstream producers.

It is unclear whether this practice also takes place in Canadian Walmart facilities. At this time, there is no reason to suspect that affected products were distributed in the United States.

National health agencies continue to monitor for clusters of illnesses associated with foodborne infection.

Have You Become Sick from Consuming Plant-Based Milk?

If you have become sick from consuming plant-based milk, your information can help the outbreak investigation. Seek medical attention or contact your local health department to report your illness. Your sample and interview data may help investigators widen recall parameters that could prevent additional illnesses.

If you have been impacted by this plant-based milk outbreak, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. The experienced Listeria lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation or fill out the online submission form and someone will get back with you right away.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)