Canadians who bought recalled Silk and Great Value plant milk may claim up to $300,000: Who qualifies

Canadians who bought recalled Silk and Great Value plant milk may claim up to $300,000

Canadians who had bought or consumed recalled Silk and Great Value plant-based beverages linked to the 2024 listeria outbreak are now eligible for compensation under a C$7.5 million class-action settlement.The settlement has been approved by the Superior Court of Quebec, and eligible people have until October 16, 2026, to submit a claim. According to Global News, depending on the severity of illness or harm, compensation ranges from C$400 to a maximum of C$300,000.The lawsuit was filed after a listeria outbreak linked to recalled refrigerated plant-based beverages sold under the Silk and Great Value brands. The outbreak led to 20 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalisations and three deaths, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.The products involved in the recall included several plant-based beverages such as almond, oat, coconut and cashew drinks, along with blended varieties. The recall was announced by Danone Canada in July 2024.

Who can file how much claim?

The settlement covers people in Canada who purchased or consumed Silk or Great Value plant-based beverages included in the July 8, 2024 recall.It also covers people who suffered physical or psychological harm after consuming the recalled products, along with eligible estates, family members, dependants and successors in cases where a consumer died.The settlement uses a six-tier compensation system based on the seriousness of the illness and the evidence submitted by claimants.The payment levels are:

People who developed symptoms consistent with listeriosis but were not hospitalised could receive between C$400 and C$7,000, depending on how long their illness lasted.Under the settlement, the minimum payment of C$400 may apply to people whose symptoms lasted up to 48 hours after consuming the recalled products or who developed qualifying psychological symptoms.Those whose symptoms continued for more than a week may qualify for payments of up to C$7,000.Symptoms listed in the compensation grid include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, constipation, muscle aches, headache, neck stiffness, confusion and loss of balance.The settlement also allows claims from people who developed psychological disorders linked to the recalled products. The documents say these symptoms must be “more acute than upset, disgust, anxiety, insomnia or agitation.”People who were hospitalised after consuming the recalled beverages may receive up to C$30,000 if they recovered without permanent complications.Hospitalised claimants who developed severe complications or permanent symptoms may qualify for payments of up to C$150,000.If the illness resulted in death, the deceased person’s estate or beneficiaries may receive compensation of up to C$300,000.

How to submit a claim

Those eligible can submit their claims through the official settlement website before October 16, 2026.If someone bought the recalled products but did not become ill, may still be able to receive a refund through the defendants’ voluntary refund programme, which remains available until the claims deadline.The settlement also involves Walmart Canada, Joriki and Intact Insurance Co. While they agreed to the settlement, the companies have not admitted liability or wrongdoing.What evidence is required depends on the amount being claimed. For lower value claims you may be required to provide evidence of purchase or a declaration that you purchased and consumed the recalled product, and a declaration of the physical or psychological effects of the product. Claims involving more serious illness, hospitalisation or higher compensation may require medical records, pharmaceutical records and other supporting documents.