A listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplemental nutrition shakes has resulted in 12 deaths and 38 illnesses across 21 states, according to an update from federal and state health officials.
The affected shakes, primarily distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities, were manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy at a facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and have since been recalled.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been investigating the outbreak, which includes cases dating back to 2018. The majority of those infected either lived in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized prior to falling ill. Of the 38 reported cases, 37 individuals required hospitalization.
The FDA’s ongoing investigation identified listeria in swabs collected from Prairie Farms’ processing facility, prompting a recall of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. The shakes, which come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and strawberry banana flavors, were sold in four-ounce cartons with best-by dates ranging from February 21, 2025, to February 21, 2026. The products were not available in retail stores.
Consumers and institutions that may have purchased these shakes are urged to dispose of or quarantine them immediately. Sysco and Lyons Magnus, the distributors of the affected products, have suspended purchases from the Prairie Farms facility.
Cases of listeria infection tied to the recalled shakes have been reported in the following states:
- Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in older adults, pregnant individuals, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or seizures
In severe cases, listeria infection can lead to meningitis, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Symptoms can appear days or even weeks after consuming contaminated food. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled products should seek medical attention immediately.
This outbreak surpasses the 2024 listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, which resulted in 10 deaths and 57 illnesses. It is considered one of the worst listeria outbreaks since 2011, when contaminated cantaloupe led to 33 deaths.
The FDA and CDC recommend that individuals and institutions:
- Dispose of or quarantine recalled shakes
- Thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the shakes, including refrigerators and storage containers
- Monitor for symptoms of listeria infection, particularly among high-risk individuals
For additional information, consumers can visit the Lyons Magnus website or contact the company at [email protected].
The FDA continues to investigate the outbreak and is working with Prairie Farms and other stakeholders to ensure food safety measures are strengthened to prevent further illnesses.
The Washington Post, CBS News, and CNN contributed to this report.
