Plant-Based Milk Company Affected by Listeria Outbreak Seeks to Sell Two Plants

February 4, 2025 TruthUSA

The Canadian company involved in a deadly listeria outbreak related to plant-based milk is seeking to sell two facilities and liquidate the Pickering, Ont. location where the outbreak originated.

Joriki, based in Toronto, faced reduced revenue following the recall of plant-based milks manufactured under the Silk and Great Value brands, leading to an impact on key customers.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency identified the Pickering plant as the source of the listeria outbreak, which affected at least 20 people nationwide and resulted in three deaths between August 2023 and July 2024.

In a request for CCAA protection, CFO Michael Devon mentioned potential buyers for the Toronto and Delta, B.C. facilities, emphasizing the reliance of some customers on these locations.

Court documents also revealed that Joriki’s expansion into the U.S. contributed to its financial vulnerability in the outbreak’s aftermath.

Devon explained that delays and cost overruns at the new Pittston, Pa. site caused significant losses, hampering the company’s turnaround plans due to the strain of the recall.