Recent findings from an inspection of a beverage production facility in Pickering, Ontario, have revealed critical food safety violations that may have contributed to a deadly listeria outbreak. Documents obtained by The Canadian Press through a Freedom of Information request show that the facility, which packaged various plant-based milks, was cited for numerous infractions, raising alarms among health experts about the potential for creating a “haven for listeria.” The outbreak, which was initially reported on July 8, 2024, has been linked to 20 illnesses, 15 hospitalisations, and three fatalities.
Inspection Findings Raise Alarm Bells
Between June 26 and August 22, 2024, inspectors from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) noted several issues at Joriki, the third-party facility responsible for packaging soy, almond, and coconut milk under the Silk and Great Value brands. Among the violations were condensation on ceilings and peeling paint in pasteurisation areas, both of which are concerning from a hygiene perspective. Following the recall, production at the facility was halted and has not resumed.
The CFIA has faced criticism for its oversight, with experts arguing that the agency should have conducted more frequent inspections at Joriki. Lawrence Goodridge, a food safety professor from the University of Guelph, stated, “The CFIA should have been inspecting this plant at a much higher frequency. This could have been prevented.”
While the CFIA insists that ensuring food safety is ultimately the responsibility of the business, they acknowledged the need for improved monitoring, especially in emerging sectors like plant-based products. The agency has since pledged to modernise its inspection protocols.
The Aftermath of the Outbreak
Danone Canada, the company behind Silk products, has refrained from providing comments due to ongoing legal proceedings. In November 2024, Danone, along with Walmart Canada Corp. and Intact Insurance Company, settled a $6.5 million class action lawsuit with consumers affected by the recall. Joriki, which ceased operations at the end of 2024, has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding the inspection findings.
The facility has previously claimed to have a listeria monitoring programme in place, insisting it had never received warnings from the CFIA prior to the outbreak. However, food safety experts have expressed concerns about the adequacy of Joriki’s sanitation practices. Lori Burrows, a microbiologist at McMaster University, highlighted that conditions such as peeling paint and condensation create environments conducive to bacterial growth.
Systemic Failures in Food Safety Procedures
The inspection report underscores a significant lack of adherence to basic food safety principles. Professor Claudia Narvaez-Bravo from the University of Manitoba pointed out that the facility’s failure to identify listeria as a potential hazard is particularly alarming. “When you’re dealing with ready-to-eat products, listeria monocytogenes is always a concern,” she explained.
The CFIA’s findings indicated that the finished products were not tested for listeria, and the facility did not implement adequate environmental swabbing or product testing protocols. Narvaez-Bravo deemed these failures as a fundamental breakdown in food safety practices.
As the outbreak unfolded, the CFIA began its investigation on June 20, 2024, after Public Health Ontario reported a listeria outbreak linked to Silk unsweetened coconut milk. Despite identifying the source of contamination within a week, it took until August for the CFIA to issue its inspection report, raising questions about the timeliness of regulatory action.
A Call for Enhanced Regulatory Measures
In light of the outbreak, the CFIA’s Inspector General undertook a review of the plant-based food manufacturing landscape in Canada, revealing that nearly half of the 54 facilities that produce plant-based products had never been inspected by the agency. In response, the CFIA has committed to implementing risk-based inspections across more than 2,400 licensed food facilities by fall 2026.
Joriki’s case exemplifies the critical need for robust food safety measures as the demand for plant-based products continues to rise. The existing gaps in oversight not only jeopardise public health but also erode consumer trust in food safety systems.
Why it Matters
The implications of the Pickering listeria outbreak extend far beyond the immediate health crisis. This incident has exposed significant deficiencies in food safety regulations and oversight mechanisms that must be urgently addressed. As the consumption of plant-based products grows, it is imperative that regulatory bodies adapt and enhance their inspection protocols to prevent future outbreaks. The health and safety of consumers depend on the rigorous enforcement of food safety standards, and the failure to act could lead to further tragedies. The time for reform is now.
