Listeria Contamination Sparks Massive Milkshake Recalls

Torn paper revealing the word Recall in red

FDA recalls frozen shakes after deadly listeria outbreak claims 11 lives, with 38 illnesses reported across 21 states.

Key Takeaways

Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes recalled due to listeria contamination
11 deaths and 38 illnesses reported across 21 states, primarily affecting long-term care facility residents
Outbreak traced back to 2018, with ongoing cases reported in 2024 and 2025
FDA and CDC investigating; consumers advised to discard affected products immediately
Listeria poses significant risks to elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems

Deadly Outbreak Prompts Urgent Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes following a deadly listeria outbreak. The contamination has resulted in at least 11 deaths and 38 illnesses across 21 states, with the majority of cases occurring in long-term care facilities.

The recall, announced on February 22, 2025, affects products manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. at their Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. These shakes were primarily distributed to long-term care facilities and hospitals, not available for retail sale. The FDA’s investigation has traced the outbreak to frozen supplemental shakes, with cases dating back to 2018 and continuing into 2024 and 2025.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk

The listeria outbreak has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, particularly residents of long-term care facilities. Of the 38 reported cases, 34 individuals (89%) were either living in long-term care facilities or hospitalized prior to falling ill. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened vigilance in protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

According to the FDA, “Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 34 (89%) reported living in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized prior to becoming sick. Records reviewed from facilities indicated nutritional shakes were available to residents.”

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for this outbreak, poses significant risks to older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can appear within two weeks to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food, ranging from mild to severe.

Immediate Action Required

In response to this serious health threat, Lyons Magnus has ceased purchasing from the affected Prairie Farms facility and has notified customers to remove impacted products from distribution immediately. The company is working in cooperation with Prairie Farms, Sysco, and the FDA to manage the recall effectively.

Consumers in possession of the recalled products are advised to quarantine them immediately. The FDA urges individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or more severe indications like headache, stiff neck, confusion, or convulsions to seek immediate medical attention.

The USDA advised that “persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.”

Ongoing Investigation

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively investigating this outbreak to prevent further illnesses and fatalities. Their efforts include tracing the contamination source, identifying potentially affected products, and ensuring proper recall procedures are followed.

As this situation continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of food safety measures, particularly for our most vulnerable populations. The FDA’s swift action in issuing this recall demonstrates the agency’s commitment to protecting public health, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges in managing foodborne pathogens in our food supply.