Frozen shakes sold to nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions have been recalled due to a listeria outbreak linked to the products, resulting in 11 deaths and numerous hospitalizations since 2018. The FDA identified the outbreak related to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen shakes, which come in four-ounce cartons and various flavors. The investigation revealed that 34 of the infected individuals were in long-term care facilities. Symptoms can range from fever to muscle aches, especially in high-risk groups. The shakes were manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, and distribution has been halted to prevent further outbreaks.
Frozen shakes supplied to nursing homes, hospitals, and various institutions have been recalled due to their connection to a prolonged listeria outbreak that has been deadly, the Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday.
Since 2018, the outbreak has led to at least 11 fatalities and numerous hospitalizations, as reported by the F.D.A., which noted that prior investigations had been unable to identify the source of the listeria bacteria.
Out of the 38 identified cases, 37 patients required hospitalization; among them, 34 were either in long-term care facilities or had been hospitalized before contracting listeria.
The outbreak has affected individuals in 21 states, including California, Florida, and New York, with 20 reported cases since January 2024, according to the F.D.A.
On Friday, the F.D.A. confirmed that the listeria outbreak was associated with Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen shakes, designed as meal supplements. These shakes come in four-ounce cartons and flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.
The F.D.A. reported that it was alerted to the outbreak on November 25, which prompted an investigation. This investigation linked the frozen shakes to the outbreak after examining records from facilities where infected individuals had resided.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is collaborating with the F.D.A. to further examine the outbreak.
In a news release on Saturday, Lyons Magnus, the distributor of the drinks, announced a recall due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The company added that the shakes were mainly sold to long-term care facilities and were not intended for retail sale.
Individuals who become ill from listeria-contaminated food may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle aches lasting a few days or may have no symptoms at all.
Certain populations, including those aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for severe infections. Symptoms may manifest on the same day as ingestion of contaminated food or as late as 10 weeks afterward, according to the F.D.A.
According to Lyons Magnus, the shakes were produced by Prairie Farms Dairy at a facility located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Prairie Farms did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Sunday.
Sysco, a food distribution firm, announced in a news release on Friday that it had also recalled the shakes and ceased orders for other products from Lyons Magnus supplied by the Fort Wayne facility.
“Sysco extends our heartfelt condolences to those impacted by this outbreak and to their families,” the company stated.