Canadians can soon cash in on $6.5M plant-based milk recall settlement
A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit in Canada following a deadly listeria outbreak linked to contaminated plant-based beverages.
Those eligible in Canada could soon claim compensation after the Superior Court of Quebec authorized the class action for settlement purposes on Nov. 17. The lawsuit was filed by LPC Avocats on behalf of all Canadians who purchased or ingested Silk Canada or Great Value products that were part of the recall that was first announced on July 8, 2024. The lawsuit was filed against Danone Canada, Walmart Canada, and Intact Insurance Company.
The allegations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
According to allegations, people became sick between August 2023 and mid-July 2024 due to an outbreak of listeria infections linked to plant-based refrigerated beverages. The outbreak resulted in three deaths, 20 illnesses, and 15 hospitalizations.
The lawsuit alleges that the affected beverages were manufactured by Joriki Inc. and marketed, distributed, and sold by defendants Danone Canada and Walmart Canada. The products were “a safety risk,” and several customers experienced symptoms and health issues after consuming the plant-based beverages. The court documents state that the defendants “have been negligent in the management of their recall programs, which allegations the Defendants deny.”
Despite agreeing to the settlement, the defendants don’t admit “any of the allegations of fault, breach of duty or unlawful conduct.”
The lawsuit was filed on July 18, 2024, and a similar class action lawsuit was filed in B.C. by Slater Vecchio LLP on July 22, 2024, due to the same issue.
Are you eligible?
PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock
Canadians are included in the class action lawsuit if they purchased or ingested the Silk or Great Value beverages included in the July 8, 2024, recall. It also affects those who suffered from any illnesses after ingesting the recalled product.
How much could you receive?
Both parties reached a $6.5-million settlement, 30 per cent of which will go towards covering administration expenses, class counsel fees, and applicable taxes, interest, and costs.
The amount you receive depends on the injuries you suffered as a result of ingesting the recalled products. And depending on the type of injury, you might have to provide proof of purchase and medical reports.
What should you do next?
For now, the settlement is still pending approval, so you don’t have to do anything. However, if you want to opt out, the deadline to do so is on Dec. 22, 2025.
The approval hearing is set to take place in Montreal on Jan. 26, 2026. Visit the class-action settlement website to stay on top of the latest updates.