A Canadian beverage packaging company connected to a listeria outbreak tied to plant-based milk has decided to seek creditor protection in order to initiate a restructure of its operations. The move aims to prevent liquidation and offer the company some breathing room from creditors to keep their business operational.
Key Points:
- Joriki Inc. filed a notice of intention for creditor protection with the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada in Toronto on Dec. 31, as per documents from proposal trustees.
- The company has three facilities in Canada and one subsidiary-owned facility in the U.S. that are part of the restructure plans.
- A production line at Joriki’s Ontario facility was identified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as the source of the listeria outbreak attributed to plant-milk manufacturer Danone Canada, causing three deaths between August 2023 and July 2024.
- Alvarez & Marsal Canada, the proposal trustee, indicated in a letter to creditors that Joriki is seeking to stabilize its operations and explore strategic options while managing debts amounting to over $200 million.
The aftermath of the listeria outbreak that affected several provinces in Canada was not explicitly outlined in the notice, overshadowing the legal battle that is to come. Among the more than 100 companies owed significant amounts by Joriki, the Bank of Nova Scotia tops the list with more than $174 million, followed by Danone Canada with claims exceeding $200,000.
Amidst the financial turmoil, Danone Canada assured consumers of a steady supply of Silk refrigerated beverages despite the production shift from the affected facility. However, the impending class-action lawsuit involving Joriki, Danone, and Walmart Canada over the outbreak could prolong the legal battles that lie ahead.
In conclusion, the ongoing challenges faced by Joriki Inc. following the listeria outbreak highlight the importance of rigorous quality control and adherence to health policies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As the company navigates its restructuring process, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize consumer safety and maintain transparency in their operations to regain trust and credibility in the marketplace.
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