World
Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Danone’s Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
Discover the details of the recent listeriosis outbreak connected to Danone’s plant-based milk alternatives. Learn about the health risks, affected products, and measures being taken to ensure consumer safety.
Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
This week, the distressing news broke that two individuals tragically lost their lives due to listeriosis after consuming plant-based milk alternatives produced by Danone, a prominent French food corporation. This incident inevitably reminded me of the significant listeria outbreak that reached its peak in 2008, where cold cuts manufactured by Maple Leaf Foods led to the deaths of 22 people, marking one of Canada’s most severe food safety crises in recent history.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, both Danone and the Canadian government have refrained from disclosing the name of the third-party company responsible for the production of the nondairy milk linked to these fatalities.
[Read: Listeria in Milk Alternatives Kills Two Canadians and Sickens 10 More]
In a troubling parallel to the Maple Leaf Foods case, the initial infection associated with the Silk and Great Value nondairy milk beverages was reported almost a year before the recall was issued earlier this month. However, a notable difference from the events of 2008 is the extent of the information available to the public regarding this deadly outbreak, which has sickened at least 10 additional individuals.
In the aftermath of the Maple Leaf Foods crisis, investigations revealed multiple missteps on the company’s part. Michael McCain, who served as the company’s president and CEO during that tumultuous period, took the initiative to hold regular press conferences. He openly acknowledged the company’s errors and provided detailed updates on their efforts to rectify the issues within the production facilities that had been responsible for the contaminated cold cuts.
In stark contrast, Danone has not conducted any press conferences to address the fatalities associated with its products. Their communication strategy has been notably limited, consisting of just two news releases, a succinct online statement, and a few social media posts concerning the recall.
Moreover, a crucial aspect of this outbreak remains shrouded in mystery for the public. Neither Danone nor any federal government agency has chosen to reveal the identity of the third-party company that manufactured the contaminated drinks or the precise location of the facility involved.