Updated: July 2, 2026
Canadians who bought certain recalled Silk Canada and Great Value plant-based beverages can now file claims under a court-approved $7.5 million class-action settlement. The claims process is officially underway following final court approval, giving eligible individuals and families until October 16, 2026 to submit applications. The settlement follows a nationwide food safety recall connected to a listeria outbreak that resulted in illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths across Canada.
The settlement relates to refrigerated plant-based beverages manufactured by Joriki Inc. and sold under the Silk Canada and Great Value brands. Although Danone Canada and Walmart Canada deny any wrongdoing or legal liability, they have agreed to resolve the class action through a compensation fund available to eligible claimants.
How the 2024 Recall Led to the Settlement
The case began after a nationwide recall announced on July 8, 2024, when several refrigerated plant-based beverages were removed from store shelves over concerns about possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterium can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that poses the greatest risk to older adults, pregnant people, newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
The Public Health Agency of Canada later confirmed that the outbreak had been linked to 20 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations and three deaths. Reported cases were recorded between August 2023 and July 2024, making it one of Canada’s most closely watched food safety investigations of the year.
The incident renewed attention on contamination risks involving ready-to-consume refrigerated foods. Similar food safety investigations have led to recalls involving cheese, salads and meal kits because of listeria concerns, highlighting the importance of rapid recalls and public health warnings.
The lawsuit alleged that consumers suffered losses after purchasing or consuming recalled beverages and that the companies involved were negligent. The defendants continue to deny those allegations, and the settlement does not represent an admission of fault.
Who May Be Eligible to File a Claim?
The settlement is open to Canadians who purchased or consumed products included in the July 2024 recall. Eligibility is broader than people who developed confirmed listeriosis.
Individuals who experienced physical symptoms, emotional distress or other qualifying impacts after consuming recalled beverages may be able to seek compensation. Certain family members, estates, dependents and legal successors may also qualify, depending on their circumstances.
Families who lost a loved one linked to the outbreak may be eligible to submit claims under the settlement’s wrongful death provisions.
Compensation Amounts Explained
Payments are based on the severity of each approved claim. The settlement outlines maximum compensation levels rather than guaranteed payouts.
- Symptoms lasting up to 48 hours: up to $400.
- Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours but no longer than one week: up to $1,500.
- Illness lasting longer than one week without hospitalization: up to $7,000.
- Hospitalization exceeding one week without permanent complications: $10,000 to $30,000.
- Hospitalization with severe complications or permanent injuries: up to $150,000.
- Wrongful death claims: up to $300,000.
The final payment for each successful claimant may be adjusted depending on the total number of approved claims and the supporting evidence submitted.
Documents That Can Help Support a Claim
Applicants should gather any available records before beginning the claims process. While receipts are useful, other evidence may also help establish eligibility.
Examples include grocery loyalty account histories, credit or debit card statements, medical records, physician notes, hospital documents and laboratory reports. Keeping complete records can make it easier for administrators to assess a claim.
Claims filed on behalf of deceased individuals may require additional documentation, including estate records or proof of family relationship.
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Important Deadline for Canadians
The deadline to submit a claim is October 16, 2026. Waiting until the final weeks could make it more difficult to locate purchase records or medical documentation, especially for events that occurred during the 2024 outbreak.
The settlement closes one legal chapter arising from the recall, but it also serves as a reminder that food safety incidents can continue to affect consumers long after recalled products disappear from store shelves.
Complete eligibility requirements, the list of recalled products, claim forms and official settlement documents are available through the official Silk Canada and Great Value beverages settlement website. Eligible claims must be submitted by October 16, 2026.
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