Frozen shakes sold to nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions have been recalled following their association with a prolonged listeria outbreak, as announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday.
Since 2018, the outbreak has resulted in at least 11 fatalities and numerous hospitalizations, with the FDA noting that prior investigations had failed to identify the source of the bacteria.
Out of 38 confirmed cases, 37 patients were hospitalized, with 34 of those infected residing in long-term care facilities or having been hospitalized prior to their listeria diagnosis.
Cases have been reported across 21 states, including California, Florida, and New York. The FDA indicated that there have been 20 cases reported since January 2024, and the outbreak remains active.
The FDA linked the outbreak to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen shakes, which are designed to supplement meals. These products are packaged in four-ounce cartons and are available in flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.
On November 25, the FDA was alerted to the listeria outbreak and initiated an investigation that established a connection to the frozen shakes after reviewing records from facilities where affected individuals had resided.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with the FDA to investigate the outbreak.
Lyons Magnus, the food service company responsible for distributing the drinks, announced on Saturday that it was recalling the shakes due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The company stated that the affected drinks were primarily sold to long-term care facilities and were not available for retail purchase.
Individuals who consume food contaminated with listeria may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle aches, which can last for a few days or may be asymptomatic. Certain populations, including those aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for severe infections. Symptoms can manifest on the same day of consumption or as late as 10 weeks afterward, according to the FDA.
The shakes were produced by Prairie Farms Dairy at a facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lyons Magnus reported that Prairie Farms did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday.
Sysco, a food distribution company, confirmed on Friday that it had recalled the shakes and ceased purchasing other products supplied by Lyons Magnus from the Fort Wayne facility.
In a statement, Sysco expressed its condolences to those affected by the outbreak and their families.