**
A recent investigation into a beverage production facility linked to a deadly listeria outbreak has uncovered serious safety violations that may have contributed to the crisis. Documents obtained by The Canadian Press through a Freedom of Information request reveal that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identified numerous infractions at Joriki, a plant in Pickering, Ontario, responsible for packaging various plant-based milks. The recall of these products on July 8, 2024, was prompted by concerns about listeria contamination, which has since been associated with 20 reported illnesses, including 15 hospitalisations and three fatalities.
Serious Violations Uncovered
The CFIA’s inspection report, which covers the period from June 26 to August 22, 2024, highlights alarming conditions within the facility. Inspectors noted condensation on the ceilings and peeling paint in pasteurisation areas, raising red flags about the plant’s cleanliness and overall safety. Joriki packaged soy, almond, and coconut milk under well-known brands such as Silk and Great Value. Following the recall, the plant’s production line was shut down indefinitely.
Food safety experts have expressed deep concern over these findings. Lawrence Goodridge, a professor at the University of Guelph, stated, “The CFIA should have been inspecting this plant at a much higher frequency. This could have been prevented.” The CFIA has defended its inspection practices, asserting that the responsibility for food safety rests with the business, while it conducts risk-based oversight.
Calls for Enhanced Oversight
The CFIA’s classification of Joriki as a low-risk facility in 2021 has come under scrutiny. This assessment was based on a model that the agency is currently revising to better address food safety issues, consumer complaints, and historical data. In response to the outbreak, the CFIA has committed to strengthening its oversight of emerging product categories, including plant-based beverages.
Danone Canada, which markets Silk products, has refrained from commenting on the situation due to ongoing legal proceedings. Notably, Danone, alongside Wal-Mart Canada Corp. and Intact Insurance Company, settled a $6.5 million class action lawsuit in November with consumers affected by the recall.
Systemic Failures Highlighted
Microbiologist Lori Burrows from McMaster University emphasised the significance of maintaining a sterile environment in food processing facilities. The report’s mention of peeling paint and condensation points to systemic failures in food safety protocols. She remarked, “It’s like the difference between wiping your counter and wiping your lawn,” illustrating the inadequacy of sanitation efforts at Joriki.
The CFIA’s inspection findings also indicated an accumulation of rubbish and empty cartons in the loading bay, potentially attracting pests that could further compromise food safety. Goodridge noted, “What this shows me is systemic failures in the plant with respect to food safety, a gross lack of food safety procedures.”
The Importance of Compliance
Education on food safety principles, such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), is essential for preventing contamination. Professor Claudia Narvaez-Bravo from the University of Manitoba highlighted the absence of listeria in Joriki’s hazard assessments as a significant oversight. “When you’re dealing with ready-to-eat products, listeria is always a problem,” she stated.
The inspection report explicitly noted that the finished product was not tested for listeria, raising further concerns about the facility’s adherence to basic food safety practices. Narvaez-Bravo concluded that this reflects a failure in the facility’s fundamental food safety measures.
Investigative Timeline
The outbreak response timeline began on June 20, 2024, when Public Health Ontario notified the CFIA of a listeriosis outbreak linked to Silk unsweetened coconut milk. By June 26, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of listeria in samples, prompting an immediate inspection of the Joriki facility.
Jennifer Ronholm, an associate professor of food science at McGill University, questioned why the facility was not closed sooner, stating that significant problems were evident weeks before the outbreak was officially linked to the plant. The CFIA maintained that additional evidence was necessary before taking regulatory action, which delayed immediate response.
Despite being given deadlines to rectify issues identified in the inspection report, Joriki ceased operations by the end of 2024 and has not resumed production. Throughout the process, the company has disputed the CFIA’s allegations, claiming it maintained a robust listeria monitoring programme.
Why it Matters
The findings from the CFIA’s inspection of Joriki underscore the critical need for rigorous food safety regulations and oversight, particularly as the popularity of plant-based products continues to rise. The outbreak not only caused tragic loss of life but also raises significant concerns about the safety of the food supply chain. Ensuring that facilities adhere to strict hygiene protocols and that regulatory agencies conduct thorough inspections is imperative to prevent future incidents. The lessons learned here must lead to more proactive measures to protect public health and restore consumer confidence in food safety practices.
