By james art 
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says an Ontario facility producing plant-based milk failed to adhere to Health Canada’s listeria prevention policies before an outbreak that resulted in three deaths.
The federal agency says the facility failed to properly screen the environment and test the finished product for listeria before the July 8 national recall of several Silk and Great Value plant-based milk products.
The CFIA says Joriki, a third-party facility in Pickering, Ontario, used by plant-based milk producer Danone Canada, was not considered “high risk” before the contamination.
However, it visited the plant in response to consumer complaints about allergens and mold in early 2018.
Health Minister Mark Holland called the outbreak a “tragedy” and noted it was the first time plant-based drinks had been linked to listeria in Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 29, 2024.
Canadian Press health coverage is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP bears all responsibility for this content.
Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press
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