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2 people have died in connection with a plant-based milk listeriosis outbreak
Two people have died after being sickened with listeriosis linked to a recall of some Silk and Great Value plant-based milks, the Public Health Agency of Canada says. According to the agency, the deaths are part of 12 listeriosis cases — 10 in Ontario and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia — that are under investigation.
Check your fridges for any Silk or Great Value brand plant-based beverages. Seriously.
Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recalled certain Silk and Great Value brands of oat, almond and coconut refrigerated beverages over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
There have been 12 reported listeriosis cases — 10 in Ontario and one each in Quebec and Nova Scotia, according to the federal agency’s count — since August 2023 that are under investigation, according to the CFIA.
Two people have died in Ontario, according to that province’s Ministry of Health.
“The Ministry of Health is working closely with local public health agencies, Public Health Ontario, the CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the recall of these products,” it said in a statement Thursday.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said the people who have been sickened are 37 to 89 years old and most are women.
Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, says we’re probably just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of the number of cases because a lot of people probably haven’t gone to the doctor and been tested.
“It’s really important to seek that medical attention if you’re an older individual, if you’re pregnant or if you have a weak immune system,” Gupta said. “And of course, anybody who has these products in their home, really important to check if it fits into the criteria of this recall.”
For people who do have a weak immune system, doctors prescribe antibiotics if they have diarrhea, Gupta said, adding that stronger antibiotics are given if they have a bloodstream infection. Studies suggest if treatment is delayed then rates of complications and deaths increase.
The president of Danone Canada, the manufacturer of the recalled drinks, said the company was working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the contaminated drinks.
“The news in this notice is devastating and our most sincere sympathies go out to the families and loved ones during this difficult time,” Frédéric Guichard wrote in a statement. Read more
It’s hot out there. What’s the best temperature for your air conditioning?
If you’re lucky enough to have air conditioning, there are a few things to consider when choosing a temperature.
And with guidelines ranging from 28 C to 22 C, it can be hard to know what’s best for your utility bill and the planet.
But don’t sweat it (pun intended) — we’ll break it down for you.
Seniors and those with certain chronic health conditions such as heart or kidney disease, as well as those with schizophrenia, are more likely to die during heat waves and are considered more vulnerable to heat.
Glen Kenny, professor of human physiology at the University of Ottawa, ran a test that suggests 26 C is a safe room temperature for vulnerable people for day-long exposure.
But if that’s still an uncomfortable temperature, it could disrupt sleep which could worsen overall health.
Rather than focus on the number, experts suggest ensuring your air conditioner is efficient and your house is well insulated.
Older, inefficient air conditioners will bring in higher utility bills and put a larger strain on the power system.
On the flip side, people with newer, efficient air conditioners or air-source heat pumps probably won’t see a huge impact if they keep their place a bit cooler. Those devices also dehumidify your home more effectively, which can make a big difference.
You’ll likely feel more comfortable at a higher temperature with low humidity, compared to a lower temperature with high humidity. Read more
Think your grocery bill is high? Imagine eating gluten-free
When Ashley Hickey’s seven-year-old son Alex was diagnosed with celiac disease last month, she knew she had to revamp the entire family’s diet to become a gluten-free household.
Celiac is a genetic autoimmune disease that causes people to get sick when they consume wheat, rye or barley.
Having celiac herself, Hickey is familiar with the risk of cross-contamination and the extra cost of specialty ingredients. But when the Amherst, N.S., woman crunched the numbers from her grocery bills during the month of June, even she was shocked by the total of $2,600.
She said those expenses didn’t include drinks, treats, toiletries or restaurants — it was just the basic food budget.
According to Celiac Canada, gluten-free products cost 200 to 500 per cent more than food with gluten. Executive director Melissa Secord says gluten-free products have traditionally cost about 150 per cent more, but supply issues during the pandemic widened the price gap.
“There are certain standards that manufacturers have to follow to keep it safe as well as the ingredients themselves because of the complexity, so they’re more expensive,” she said.
Heather Yule of Bedford, N.S., also has celiac, as do her two teenage daughters.
“It’s not like we’re doing this for a fad,” she said. “It is like having a prescription drug. Our prescription is gluten-free food. How come we don’t get better cost savings for that? Because it adds up.”
Hickey agrees. Although she tries to make everything from scratch and buys in bulk, she is working 70 to 80 hours a week running her software company to offset the high cost of food.
In an email statement, the Department of Finance said it “welcomes all suggestions on how to better support Canadians, including those with gluten intolerances and celiac disease.” Read more
What else is going on?
Are you crossing the border with Fido?
Starting Aug. 1, dogs entering the U.S. will need to be microchipped, at least six months old and accompanied by a new import form, among other requirements.
This couple was asked to check their carry-ons. After protesting, they were booted from the flight.
WestJet says it’s common to check carry-on bags when overhead space is tight.
Tick-spread illnesses are on the rise, and it’s not just Lyme disease.
If you’re bitten, remove the tick with tweezers and keep it in a closed container if you go to see a health-care provider.
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