A third person has died and 15 individuals have been hospitalized as a result of an outbreak of listeria linked to plant-based beverages that were recalled from the markets.

According to the Canadian government, there are 20 confirmed laboratory cases of listeria monocytogenes related to the outbreak. The recall alert stated that "many people" who became ill reported drinking beverages from the Silk and Great Value brands before falling ill.

Canadian health officials are urging residents to check their refrigerators and pantries for affected products. The recall affects many milk alternatives sold by Silk and Great Value. A complete list can be found on the website.

Most reported illnesses are among women aged fifty and older. Among those confirmed infected, 13 are in Ontario, five in Quebec, one in Nova Scotia, and another in Alberta.

Severe listeria infection can lead to death, meningitis - an infection of the brain - and sepsis. The infection can also spread to fetuses in the womb, potentially causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening illness.

If you find the affected product in your home, dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase. If you are unsure whether you purchased a recalled product, contact the retailer.

Do not consume the products, and if you are infected, do not prepare food for others.

Contact your healthcare provider if you think you have symptoms of listeria infection. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Severe symptoms can include loss of balance, headaches, neck pain, and confusion.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from three to 70 days after exposure.

On August 7th, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) revealed that the recalled products were produced in Pickering, Ontario.

They stated that the dedicated assembly line has been completely dismantled and that the investigation is ongoing.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency stated, "Production on this dedicated line will not resume until necessary corrective measures have been implemented."