A deadly listeria outbreak linked to contaminated milkshakes has prompted an urgent FDA recall, affecting nursing homes across the nation.
At a Glance
- FDA recalls Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental milkshakes due to listeria contamination
- 38 illnesses reported, resulting in 37 hospitalizations and 11 deaths
- Outbreak traced back to 2018, with 20 cases recorded in 2024 and 2025
- Contaminated products distributed across 21 states, primarily to long-term care facilities
- FDA actively investigating the outbreak to prevent future public health threats
Urgent FDA Recall: Contaminated Milkshakes Linked to Nursing Home Deaths
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall for Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental milkshakes following a severe listeria contamination incident. This outbreak has been linked to a series of deaths among nursing home residents, raising alarming concerns about food safety in long-term care facilities.
Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. initiated the recall after informing Lyons Magnus LLC about the outbreak. The FDA became aware of the situation in late November, prompting an immediate investigation. The contaminated products, distributed nationwide, pose severe risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
🚨 BREAKING | Medical Nutrition Drinks Recalled After 11 Deaths, 38 Sick
A nationwide recall has been issued for Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes due to a Listeria outbreak that has killed 11 people and sickened 38 others across 21 states. The… pic.twitter.com/16HGS9ifWZ— Citizen (@CitizenApp) February 22, 2025
The outbreak’s origins can be traced back to 2018, with a significant spike in cases observed in recent years. According to the FDA, 20 cases were recorded in 2024 and 2025 alone. The contaminated milkshakes were distributed across 21 states, including Alabama, California, and New York, primarily to long-term care facilities and hospitals.
The scale of the outbreak is substantial, too, with 38 reported illnesses resulting in 37 hospitalizations and 11 deaths. The majority of affected individuals were residing in long-term care facilities or hospitalized before falling ill, highlighting the vulnerability of these populations to foodborne pathogens.
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for this outbreak, can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that is particularly dangerous for certain groups. The FDA emphasizes the heightened risk for older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, which can appear within two weeks to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food. Given the severity of the outbreak, the FDA strongly advises high-risk individuals experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical care.
The FDA is actively investigating the outbreak to uncover its full extent and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The agency’s primary focus is on strengthening consumer protection and addressing potential gaps in food safety protocols, especially in facilities serving vulnerable populations.
Why are there so many outbreaks like this lately? It really makes you think.
