Listeriosis Contamination Of Non-Dairy Silk Products Sold In Canada has Now Taken Three Lives
An outbreak of Listeriosis, which has resulted in approximately 20 cases and 15 people being hospitalized, has now officially been linked to three deaths in the ongoing outbreak. Officials have identified almond, oat, and other non-dairy milk products produced and sold in Canada to be the source of the listeriosis outbreak.
The Public Health Agency in Canada recently released a statement on August 12th, 2024, warning consumers to avoid ingesting these products.
According to the released statement, there have been 13 illnesses in Ontario, 5 illnesses in Quebec, and 1 illness in both Alberta and Nova Scotia, all testing positive for listeria bacteria. The people who have been affected began experiencing symptoms between August 2023 and July of 2024 – over the spread of nearly a year. Those products were produced by Danone Canada, and sold in the country under both the Silk Brand and Walmart’s Great Value brand. The affected products were solely distributed in Canada, and have been nationally recalled and removed from stores. They have best buy dates between September and October 2024.
As of right now, it is believed the ilk Brand and Walmart’s Great Value brand contaminated products have been removed from store shelves.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, who continues to investigate the outbrea:
“More illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 9 and 29 days.”
For more information on the outbreak and the products that have been affected, check out the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website, where more updates will be provided once they are received.
Listeriosis can affect anyone that is exposed to a contaminated product, and can subsequently have dire consequences for many. In fact, almost 1 in 6 people who become infected die from this bacteria. Those who are most likely to be seriously affected are those over the age of 65, newborns, and those who are pregnant. People experience flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, confusion, stiff neck, loss of balance, and seizures. Many who are pregnant only exhibit the flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and a fever, which can make the illness much harder to identify.
One national Listeria lawyer, who happens to be representing the family of one of the victims who died in the Boars Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak in the United States, stated: “Listeriosis can be incredibly serious for some, especially if left untreated. That’s why it is vital that those who experience these symptoms contact their local health provider immediately, especially if they have ingested a recalled product.” Listeria Lawyer Ron Simon has taken the lead in many listeria outbreak, including both the Boar’s Head 2024 and the Blue Bell 2015 outbreaks.
