Canadians can still cash in on $7.5 million plant-based milk settlement

Some Canadians could qualify to receive money from the multimillion-dollar Silk and Great Value recall class-action settlement — but the clock is ticking.

Eligible Canadians who have yet to file a claim to receive part of the settlement should do so soon, as the deadline is fast approaching. According to the class action claims administrator, Concilia, class members have until Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST to file a claim.

What's the class-action about?

In 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that it received reports of illness due to an outbreak of listeria infections linked to plant-based refrigerated beverages between August 2023 and mid-July 2024. The outbreak resulted in three deaths, 20 reported illnesses, and 15 hospitalizations.

"On July 8, 2024, a food recall warning was issued for various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages, with Oct. 4, 2024, as the latest best before date," reads the recall notice.

The same year, LPC Avocats filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all Canadians who ingested or purchased Silk or Great Value products that were part of the recall. The lawsuit against Danone Canada, Walmart Canada, and Intact Insurance Company alleges that recalled plant-based beverages manufactured by Joriki Inc. and sold by Danone Canada and Walmart Canada posed "a safety risk" to consumers.

The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants were negligent in how they managed their recall programs after consumers got sick and experienced health issues after consuming the beverages contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Danone Canada and Walmart Canada agreed to a $7.5-million settlement, while denying all allegations and any wrongdoing or liability.

Are you eligible for a claim?

If you bought or consumed Silk Canada or Great Value products that were part of the July 8, 2024, recall, you could be eligible to file a claim. Eligible class members include Canadians who experienced physical or psychological harm after consuming the products, as well as their successors, family members, and dependents.

How much could you receive?

For eligible claimants, the amount depends on the severity of the injury:

• If you experienced symptoms that lasted up to 48 hours, you may be eligible for $400
• If you had symptoms that lasted more than 48 hours and up to one week, you may be eligible for $1,500
• If you had symptoms that lasted longer than a week and didn't require hospitalization, you may be eligible for $7,000
• If you were hospitalized for more than a week and didn't develop complications or permanent symptoms, you may qualify for at least $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000
• If you had symptoms that lasted more than one week, were hospitalized, and developed severe complications or permanent symptoms, you could receive a maximum of $150,000
• If the illness resulted in the death of a loved one, eligible claimants could receive compensation of up to $300,000

How can you file a claim?

Make sure to file a claim online before the deadline on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.