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A recent investigation into a beverage production facility in Pickering, Ontario, has revealed alarming infractions that may have contributed to a listeria outbreak, which has resulted in 20 illnesses, 15 hospitalisations, and three fatalities. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) conducted an inspection of the Joriki facility, which packages plant-based milk for brands such as Silk and Great Value, following a recall initiated on 8 July 2024. The findings suggest systemic issues within the facility that could have been addressed much earlier.
Inspection Findings Raise Concerns
Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request indicate that the Joriki facility was cited for multiple health and safety violations during inspections conducted from June 26 to August 22, 2024. Among the issues noted were condensation on ceilings and peeling paint in pasteurisation zones, both of which experts warn can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like listeria. Lawrence Goodridge, a food safety professor at the University of Guelph, expressed that these “huge red flags” should have prompted more frequent inspections and immediate action from health officials.
“The CFIA should have been inspecting this plant at a much higher frequency,” Goodridge stated. “This could have been prevented.”
In response to the criticism, the CFIA defended its actions by stating that it is ultimately the responsibility of businesses to ensure the safety of their food products. They also noted that Joriki was classified as low risk in their assessments as of 2021, a classification that the agency is currently revising to better reflect potential food safety risks.
Regulatory Oversight in Question
The 2024 listeria outbreak has highlighted significant gaps in regulatory oversight, particularly in emerging product categories such as plant-based beverages. The CFIA has acknowledged these shortcomings and is taking steps to modernise its inspection and oversight systems.
Danone Canada, the parent company of the Silk brand, has refrained from commenting on the situation due to ongoing legal proceedings, while Joriki’s operations ceased in late 2024. Attempts to reach the company for comment have been unsuccessful, though it previously disputed the CFIA’s allegations, asserting that it had a monitoring programme in place for listeria.
The Science Behind Food Safety
Microbiologist Lori Burrows from McMaster University emphasised the importance of maintaining a sterile environment in food processing facilities, particularly given the ubiquity of listeria in the environment. She pointed out that issues such as peeling paint and condensation create serious challenges for effective disinfection.
“It’s like the difference between wiping your counter and wiping your lawn,” Burrows explained. “Condensation, especially in areas where products are processed, can lead to contamination.”
The inspection report noted additional concerns, such as waste accumulation in loading bays, which could attract pests that pose further risks to food safety. Goodridge remarked on the systemic failures revealed in the inspection, stating, “What this shows me is a gross lack of food safety procedures.”
A Call for Accountability
Professor Claudia Narvaez-Bravo from the University of Manitoba highlighted that effective food safety practices hinge on planning and hazard control, often referred to as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). Alarmingly, the CFIA’s report indicated that Joriki did not even recognise listeria as a potential hazard.
“The absence of this basic principle is worrisome,” Narvaez-Bravo noted. “When you’re dealing with ready-to-eat products, listeria is always a concern.”
The inspection also pointed out that Joriki failed to conduct finished product testing for listeria, a fundamental step in ensuring consumer safety. Narvaez-Bravo classified this as a critical failure of the facility’s food safety management.
Delayed Response to Outbreak
In October 2024, former federal health minister Mark Holland announced that the CFIA had concluded its investigation, placing the blame on Joriki for not adhering to established listeria prevention policies. The timeline of events reveals a concerning delay in shutting down the facility after the outbreak was linked to their products.
Jennifer Ronholm, an associate professor at McGill University, questioned why the plant wasn’t immediately closed following the initial identification of listeria. “There were clear, big problems in this plant,” she stated. “In theory, the outbreak could have been stopped a little sooner than it was.”
The CFIA has since initiated measures to enhance inspection frequency and improve risk assessment methodologies, committing to conduct risk-based inspections of over 2,400 licensed food facilities by autumn 2026.
Why it Matters
The revelations stemming from the Joriki facility’s inspection not only underline the critical importance of rigorous food safety standards but also highlight the dire consequences of inadequate regulatory oversight. As food production evolves, especially with the rise of plant-based products, it is imperative that both industry and regulators ensure the highest levels of safety to protect public health. The lessons learned from this outbreak must serve as a catalyst for reform in food safety practices, guaranteeing that such tragedies are never repeated.
