Five hospitalized with listeriosis

Recall issued for plant-based beverages from Silk, Great Value brands after outbreak in Ontario

- KEVIN JIANG AND RAJU MUDHAR

A bacteria that caused one of the deadliest food-related infection outbreaks in Canada’s history is once again causing consumers to check their cupboards and fridge for products that may be contaminated.

Ontario’s top doctor is “strongly” urging the public to avoid certain recalled Silk and Great Value brand plant-based beverages after numerous people tested positive for — and were hospitalized with — listeriosis infections.

In an update Tuesday, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, said nine cases of listeriosis have been confirmed, including five hospitalizations.

“Ontarians are reminded to check their fridges for the recalled products and, if any are found, they should be immediately discarded or returned to the location where they were purchased,” Moore said in his statement. “Do not consume any recalled products.”

On Monday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled certain beverages due to concerns about listeria contamination — a bacterium that can lead to serious illness.