Danone Canada, based in Boucherville, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario is recalling certain dairy products 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.
Background
The recall was initiated during an investigation into an outbreak of foodborne illness.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has said it is conducting an investigation into the source of the contamination and that more products could be recalled.
The CFIA also said that it is in the process of verifying that the affected products have been removed from sale.
Product Details
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best Before Date | Product Code |
| Great Value | Almond Beverage Unsweetened Original | 1.89 L | 6 81131 34208 7 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Great Value | Almond Beverage Original | 1.89 L | 6 81131 34209 4 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Great Value | Almond Beverage Vanilla | 1.89 L | 6 81131 34210 0 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond & Coconut Unsweetened | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00250 0 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond Original | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00100 8 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond Dark Chocolate | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00135 0 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond Unsweetened | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00150 3 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond Unsweetened Vanilla | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00188 6 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond Vanilla | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00168 8 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Coconut Original | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00152 7 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Coconut Original | 1.89 L | 0 25293 00244 9 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Oat Original | 1.75 L | 0 36632 07240 5 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Oat Vanilla | 1.75 L | 0 36632 07241 2 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Oat Dark Chocolate | 1.75 L | 0 36632 07239 9 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Oat Unsweetened | 1.75 L | 0 36632 07532 1 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Oat Unsweetened Vanilla | 1.75 L | 0 56800 72749 4 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond & Cashew Unsweetened | 1.75 L | 0 36632 07235 1 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
| Silk | Almond & Cashew Unsweetened | 1.75 L | 0 36632 07234 4 | Up to and including 24 OC 04 | Contains 7825 |
Consumer Action
Consumers should check their homes for the recalled products.
As with all food recalls, consumers should not consume the affected products even if they look or smell safe to drink.
The affected products may be discarded or returned to place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact Danone Canada’s customer service department at 866-233-5410.
Health Risks
A notice from the CFIA said that illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products but did not state the number affected or severity of illness. Anyone who has consumed the products and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, particularly individuals in high-risk categories, is advised to seek medical care promptly.
Listeriosis is an infection that causes fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and muscle aches and is caused by the consumption of food contaminated by bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Unlike other strains of bacteria, listeria multiplies in foods stored in the refrigerator. Pasteurization and thorough cooking are the most effective methods of killing the bacteria and preventing infection.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Due to the potential danger of Listeria infection, I recommend anyone with the recalled products to not consume them further and follow all recall instructions.”
