Plant-based milk recall: 2 dead in ‘unusual’ Listeria outbreak

Two people have died in Canada due to Listeria infections linked to plant-based milks that experts are calling an “unusual” outbreak and are urging caution to prevent further illnesses.

In an update on Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada said a dozen cases have been confirmed, including two deaths and nine hospitalizations.

Of the 12 illnesses that occurred between August 2023 and early July 2024, 10 were reported in Ontario and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Ontario’s health ministry confirmed to Global News in an emailed statement on Thursday that both the deaths were reported in the province.

Most of the illnesses reported were in adults aged 60 years old or older and in women, PHAC said. Overall, people who have fallen sick in this outbreak are between 37 to 89 years of age.

“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,” the agency said.

“The unusual thing about this is the plant-based milk source of the infections, because people … think of plant-based milks as kind of a healthy alternative,” said Lori Burrows, professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at McMaster University, in an interview with Global News.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a national recall on July 8 for 18 beverages sold by the brands Silk and Great Value due to potential Listeria contamination.

Almond, oat, coconut and cashew milks are part of the recall, which was triggered by an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak, the CFIA said.

Canadians are urged not to drink the recalled beverages with expiry dates up to and including Oct. 4.

A food safety investigation is ongoing