Listeria contamination in Danone’s plant-based milks, linked to Joriki’s Pickering, Ontario factory, has led to 18 listeriosis cases across four provinces, including two deaths. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall and Joriki has suspended production. Danone and Joriki are working with authorities to resolve the issue and prevent future contamination.
Danone, a major global player in the dairy and plant-based beverage sectors, expanded its footprint in the plant-based market through its acquisition of WhiteWave Foods in 2016. This acquisition brought brands like Silk and Alpro under Danone’s umbrella, enhancing its portfolio in dairy-free alternatives. The recent Listeria contamination incident underscores the challenges associated with third-party manufacturing and stringent food safety management.
Contamination Source Identified
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has pinpointed a Pickering, Ontario, factory as the source of a Listeria outbreak affecting several plant-based milks. The contamination was traced to a dedicated production line at Joriki, a third-party beverage packaging facility utilized by Danone Canada. The affected products include Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, oat milk, and Walmart’s Great Value brand almond milk.
Health Impact and Response
The Public Health Agency of Canada has reported 18 confirmed cases of listeriosis associated with the contaminated plant-based milks. These cases span Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, with 13 individuals hospitalized and two fatalities recorded in Toronto and Peel, Ontario. The CFIA issued a voluntary recall for the affected products on July 8, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Manufacturing Facility Actions
Joriki has halted production of the implicated products and is actively collaborating with Danone and the CFIA to address the contamination issue. The production line identified as contaminated has been completely disassembled for thorough inspection. Joriki has stated that the recall is limited to this specific line and has not impacted other products produced at the facility.
Ongoing Investigation and Precautionary Measures
The CFIA has mandated that the production line will remain inactive until all necessary corrective actions are completed and the contamination is fully eradicated. Danone Canada and Joriki are implementing enhanced safety measures and revising production protocols to prevent future occurrences. The CFIA emphasizes its commitment to food safety and its role in swiftly addressing potential risks to public health.
Consumer Advice and Legal Considerations
Health experts have highlighted that Listeria can cause symptoms up to two months after exposure, contributing to the extended timeline of the outbreak. Consumers affected by the recalled products are advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms of listeriosis appear. Justin Giovannetti, a class-action lawyer, encourages individuals who have suffered from the contamination to document their cases and consider legal recourse.
Broader Implications
This incident raises broader questions about food safety practices within third-party manufacturing and the effectiveness of current monitoring systems. It also emphasizes the importance of rigorous inspections and quick responses to food safety breaches to protect consumer health.