CFIA Identifies Listeria Lapses at Ontario Plant-Based Milk Facility

An Ontario facility failed to follow Health Canada's Listeria prevention protocols, leading to three deaths and a nationwide recall.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found that the Joriki facility in Pickering did not conduct proper environmental swabbing and product testing for Listeria.
This failure led to a Listeria outbreak linked to Silk and Great Value plant-based milks, resulting in three deaths in Canada.
Despite previous consumer complaints about allergens and mold, the facility was not considered high-risk before the outbreak.
The CFIA has paused production at the facility until all safety measures are implemented and has launched a review to prevent future risks.
Health Minister Mark Holland emphasized the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, highlighting that this is the first Listeria link to plant-based beverages in Canada.