What happens when a product that’s key to business operations gets recalled? Jess Nadel, owner of Beard’s Bakery in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada recently found out, according to CBC News.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall on July 8 for Silk and Great Value plant-based beverages because of the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
This recall particularly affected Nadel’s bakery, which relies heavily on unsweetened coconut milk in many of its dairy-free recipes causing her to respond to concerns about the recalled beverages.
So far, nine cases of listeria infection linked to consumption of the recalled plant-based products have been identified in Ontario with five of those requiring hospitalization. Nadel has reassured customers that there is minimal health risk associated with consuming their baked goods made with the recalled products.
Nadel described the initial challenge of obtaining information about the recall, noting that such incidents typically involve meat, dairy, or produce rather than plant-based products. Despite the unexpected nature of the situation, she acted swiftly to address the issue.
To keep the bakery doors open, Nadel quickly switched to an alternative oat milk supplier. She also took the precautionary measure of discarding all products potentially containing the recalled beverages upon learning of the contamination risk.
Regarding customer safety, Nadel provided reassurance based on information from public health officials. She explained that the listeria bacteria is destroyed at temperatures exceeding 66°C (about 125°F), well below the temperatures used in baking processes. Additionally, she was told that no cases of illness had been identified in northern Ontario related to this recall.
While acknowledging the inconvenience and waste resulting from the recall, Nadel emphasized her bakery’s adaptability in managing supply chain issues, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She views such challenges as part of the “new norm” in the food industry, requiring quick problem-solving and flexibility.
Looking ahead, Nadel plans to resume using her preferred brand of coconut milk once it’s deemed safe and approved for use.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “We often hear news of large-scale food recalls but rarely how small businesses using those products are affected. Fortunately, the bakery was able to quickly switch to another supplier and successfully continue operations.”
