RECALL: Silk, Great Value plant-based milk recalled due to Listeria

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A number of Silk and Great Value brand plant-based beverages have been recalled across Canada due to a Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is the Silk and Great Value plant-based beverage recall about?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed several cases of potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes related to Silk and Great Value plant-based milks produced by a third-party manufacturer in Ontario and distributed by Danone Canada.

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“Upon learning of confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes linked to these Silk refrigerated beverage products, Danone Canada, together with the CFIA, took immediate action to issue a voluntary recall on 15 Silk refrigerated plant-based beverage SKUs,” read a news release issued by Danone on July 8.

“Danone has also preventively halted all production and shipments coming from this facility, until further notice, to carry out a thorough investigation.”

Where is the recall in effect?

The recall was issued on July 8, 2024 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and applies to products sold across Canada.

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, there have been “no laboratory-confirmed cases of Listeria linked to the recall yet in B.C.”

“However, public health is monitoring reports of illness carefully,” read a statement issued by the BCCDC on July 9.

Just nine cases of illness linked to the products have been confirmed in Ontario so far.

What products are included in the recall?

Among the affected products are:

• Great Value Almond Unsweetened Original, Almond Original, and Almond Vanilla beverages in the 1.89 litre size. The affected items have product codes containing 7825 and have an expiry date up to and including Oct. 4, 2024.

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• Silk Almond & Coconut Unsweetened, Almond Original, Almond Dark Chocolate, Almond Unsweetened, Almond Unsweetened Vanilla, Almond Vanilla, and Coconut Original in the 1.89 litre size. The affected items have product codes containing 7825 and have an expiry date up to and including Oct. 4, 2024.

• Silk Coconut Unsweetened in the 1.89 litre size. The affected items have product codes containing 7825 and have an expiry date up to and including Sept. 27, 2024.

• Silk Oat Original, Oat Vanilla, Oat Dark Chocolate, Oat Unsweetened, Oat Unsweetened Vanilla, Almond & Cashew Unsweetened, and Almond & Cashew Unsweetened Vanilla in the 1.75 litre size. The affected items have product codes containing 7825 and have an expiry date up to and including Oct. 4, 2024.

The affected products were all distributed by Danone Canada.

What products are not affected?

Other Silk items such as Silk shelf-stable beverages (946 ml) including the Silk Barista range, Silk coffee creamers, Silk plant-based food (cheese, yogurt, whipping cream), Silk Nextmilk refrigerated, Silk Unsweetened Almond 940 ml, Silk Oat Original 890 ml, or anything not listed in CFIA’s recall notice, is not affected.

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How did authorities find out about the contamination?

According to the Health Canada notice, the recall was triggered by an investigation into a food-borne illness outbreak. So far, only nine cases in Ontario have been confirmed.

How do I know if the product I have is recalled?

Check the item for a product code containing 7825 and its expiry date to see if it’s listed above. You can also look up the UPC code to see if it matches what’s listed on the Health Canada recall notice here.

Food contaminated with Listeria might not look or smell bad, but it can still cause you to get sick. You may vomit or experience nausea, fever, muscle aches, headaches and stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk for illness as a result of drinking the contaminated product.

What should I do if I have a contaminated product?

If you think you’ve been sick from drinking any of the impacted products, contact your health care provider and check the products to see if they’re included in the recall.

Immediately throw out or return the recalled items. All affected items are also being removed from store shelves.

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Those who have affected Silk products can also contact Danone Canada at 1-866-233-5410 or visit www.silkcanada.ca/contact-us for information on possible refunds.

Will other Silk or Great Value plant-based beverages be recalled?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently investigating, which may or may not lead to additional recalls.

You can check for more updates here and even sign up for notifications if you wish.

sip@postmedia.com

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