Canada investigates outbreak; milk recall expanded

Canadian officials are investigating a foodborne illness outbreak that may be connected to Neilson brand partly skimmed chocolate milk distributed by Saputo Inc.

Meanwhile, Montreal-based Saputo Inc. has expanded its recall and closed the production line that manufactured the recalled milk, which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

“Although the exact cause of the incident remains undetermined, out of an abundance of caution and because the company puts the public’s health first, Saputo is voluntarily recalling certain Neilson chocolate milk products in the marketplace,” according to a notice on the company’s website.

“This recall includes all products manufactured until June 3, 2016, on the affected production line of its Georgetown, Ontario, facility. They have best before dates up to and including June 22.”

Saputo initially posted the notice Saturday, recalling 4-liter bags of Neilson brand partly skimmed chocolate milk. Sunday the company expanded the recall to include other sizes of containers.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reports that illnesses have been reported and could be associated with consumption of the recalled milk. Laboratory testing is underway in an attempt to confirm the link between the illnesses and the recalled milk.

Saputo distributed the recalled milk in Quebec and Ontario.

“The affected products have been sold through retail outlets, supermarkets and food service institutions such as restaurants, hospitals, day care centers and nursing homes,” according to the notice on the Saputo website.

“If you believe you may have purchased an affected product, please return it to the place of purchase for a refund.”

All of the implicated milk carries the plant registration number 1590. Other identifying labeling information on the recalled milk includes:

• Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 4-liter bags, All Best Before dates up to and including JN22, UPC number 0 66800 00047 3;
• Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 2-liter cartons, All Best Before dates up to and including JN22, UPC number 0 66800 00042 8;
• Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 1-liter cartons, All Best Before dates up to and including JN22, UPC number 0 66800 00043 5;
• Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 750-milliliter cartons, All Best Before dates up to and including JN22, UPC number 0 66800 10068 5;
• Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 473-milliliter cartons, All Best Before dates up to and including JN22, UPC number 0 66800 10023 4; and
• Neilson Partly Skimmed Chocolate Milk, 237-milliliter cartons, All Best Before dates up to and including JN22, UPC number 0 66800 10017 3.

The CFIA urges consumers to check their homes for the recalled milk.

“Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” according to the CFIA.

“Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

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