The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the recent Listeria contamination of several plant-based milks occurred at a plant in Pickering, Ontario.
The CFIA says the contamination occurred on a “dedicated production line” at Joriki, a third-party beverage processing facility used by manufacturer Danone Canada.
The production line was “completely dismantled during the inspection of the facilities.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada has previously confirmed 18 cases of listeriosis linked to Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, and oat milk, as well as Great Value brand almond milk.
Confirmed cases were in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Nova Scotia and included 13 hospitalizations and two deaths.
The Ontario Ministry of Health reported that the deaths occurred in that province.
The recall notice for plant-based milks was first issued on July 8. Health experts have said Listeria can make people sick for up to two months after they eat or drink contaminated products.
The affected products have expiration dates up to and including October 4 and their product code contains the number 7825, according to the recall notice.
“No production on this dedicated production line will restart until the necessary corrective actions are implemented and the CFIA is satisfied that all contamination has been identified and eliminated,” the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said in a statement Wednesday.
“Danone Canada and Joriki Inc. (Pickering) are fully engaged in the ongoing food safety investigation to determine the source of the contamination and are implementing corrective measures, including enhanced safety and production protocols,” the statement also said.
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