The Joriki Inc. plant in Pickering that processed Silk milk substitutes for Danone had a history of infractions, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency wrote in a report on its investigations after three consumers died and 20 were sickened by Listeria monocytogenes food-poisoning bacteria.
The agency did not say why the plant, which remains closed, was not suspended or fined for repeat food safety failures.
Its report said six times inspectors found that Joriki did not properly implement environmental swabbing and finished product testing in adherence to Health Canada's policy on listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods.
Now a significant cleanup and renovation operation is being conducted, the report said.
"Manufacturing will not resume until all necessary safety measures are in place, and until we are confident that the risk of contamination has been eliminated," the CFIA said.
"Inspectors are closely monitoring the situation, continuing to conduct regular visits to ensure that corrective actions are completed before production can restart."
The Silk products were made from almonds, coconuts and oats.
