A listeria outbreak linked to several brands of plant-based drinks is over, says the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
The update comes about three months after a national recall warning was issued on July 8 for various Silk and Great Value brand-plant-based refrigerated beverages.
By July 18, PHAC reported that two people had died from listeria infections and another nine were hospitalized.
The number of reported cases hit 18 by July 31. Tragically, a third victim died in mid-August.
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In total, 20 cases of illness were reported in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia and 15 people were hospitalized.
“This notice has been updated to reflect that the outbreak appears to be over and the outbreak investigation has been closed,” said PHAC in an update published online on Oct.11.
“The presence of the L. monocytogenes outbreak strain was confirmed within the production environment, however the primary site of the contamination within the environment was not able to be identified.”
Previously, PHAC’s investigation suggested that a Danone Canada in Pickering, Ont. could be the source of the outbreak.
However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is “satisfied” that any contamination has been eliminated.
The latest batch of affected drinks have Oct. 4 for a best before date.
