Two people have died after being sickened with listeriosis monocytogenes food-poisoning bacteria.
It was in Silk-brand plant-based drinks sold as alternatives to milk and made in an Ontario facility for global dairy giant Danone.
Health Canada reported the deaths in an advisory issued Wednesday night, which have occurred out of 12 listeriosis cases — 10 in Ontario, and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia, according to the federal agency's count — that are under investigation.
The agency says people became sick between August 2023 and early July 2024.
Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled certain Silk and Great Value (Walmart) brands of oat, almond and coconut refrigerated beverages over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The president of Danone Canada, the manufacturer of the recalled drinks, said the company was working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the contaminated drinks.
"The news in this notice is devastating and our most sincere sympathies go out to the families and loved ones during this difficult time," Frédéric Guichard wrote in a statement.
Guichard said the company has conducted the recall and removed affected products from retail shelves.
