The plant-based dairy did not follow protocols to prevent Listeria contamination, CFIA says

A facility that produces plant-based milk linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak did not properly follow Health Canada’s contamination prevention policy, officials said Tuesday.

Three Canadians died in the listeriosis outbreak linked to certain Silk and Great Value plant-based drinks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Joriki, an off-site facility used by plant-based milk manufacturer Danone Canada, was not considered high risk before the contamination.

But when Public Health Ontario notified CFIA of an outbreak of listeriosis and discovered the microbe in a sample of Silk’s unsweetened coconut milk, CFIA said it was working to confirm the link between the product, illnesses and deaths.

As part of the recall process that began in July, CFIA made six visits to the Joriki factory in Pickering, Ontario, verifying that the affected products had been withdrawn from the market.

Improper swabs and tests

“During its investigation, the CFIA found that the facility had not properly implemented environmental swab testing and end product testing in accordance with Health Canada’s policy on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods, and therefore the CFIA is closely monitoring to ensure that corrective actions are implemented and that necessary safety measures are in place,” the agency said in a statement.

Production at the Pickering plant has stopped and cleaning and renovation work is underway. “Production will not resume until all necessary safety measures are in place and until we are confident that the risk of contamination has been eliminated,” the CFIA said.

More vigilance is needed, says the Minister of Health

After question time, Health Minister Mark Holland called it a tragedy. Every time there is a death due to problems in the food supply, it is unacceptable.

Holland noted that a three-year study by CFIA on plant-based milk alternatives found that they pose a low risk for Listeria.

“Just because something is low risk is not an excuse not to adhere to that policy,” Holland said.

The science of what is safe may change, he said.

“With regard to Listeria in plant products, the table is turning and we realize that we have to be much more vigilant.”

LOOK | Listeriosis and plant-based milk:

Listeriosis expert explains plant-based milk recall and how to stay safe

Two people in Ontario have died after becoming ill with listeriosis linked to certain plant-based milks from Silk and Great Value. Catherine Donnelly, a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont who has studied listeria for decades, says consumers should pay attention to recalls and check their refrigerators if they think they have consumed some of these products. Watch her full interview with Amy Smith.

Listeria is commonly linked to ready-to-eat meats and unpasteurized dairy products. CFIA called this the first time plant-based drinks have been linked to disease in Canada.

Holland said a company’s failure to comply with Health Canada’s policy on the microbe puts both human health and Canada’s reputation for food safety at risk.