Plant-based refrigerated beverages recalled due to Listeria

Huron Perth, ON – On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued a statement warning Ontarians to not consume recalled plant-based refrigerated beverages.

Earlier this week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The full list of recalled products can be found at Canada.ca/recalls.

Given the long shelf life of the recalled products, Huron Perth Public Health encourages residents to check their refrigerators for these products and to throw away any recalled products immediately or return them to the place of purchase.

Huron Perth Public Health has sent communication about the recall to congregate care facilities including long-term care homes, retirement homes and childcare centres. Public Health Inspectors are contacting these facilities as an additional precaution.   

Consuming food or beverages contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can lead to a serious infection called listeriosis. The illness can be fatal for vulnerable populations such as newborns, older adults, pregnant individuals, and persons whose immune systems are compromised.

Symptoms of listeriosis can occur from three days up to three weeks after a person eats or drinks a contaminated product. In some cases, symptoms can appear 70 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

•     fever
•     nausea
•     cramps
•     diarrhea
•     vomiting
•     headache
•     constipation
•     muscle aches

In severe cases, symptoms could include:

•     stiff neck
•     confusion
•     headache
•     loss of balance

Health811 is a valuable resource to help you determine if and when you need to reach out to your healthcare provider. In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.