Listeria outbreak spreads to 15 states: Is your food safe?

Twelve deaths have been reported as part of an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to frozen supplemental shakes, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At least 38 people across 21 states have been infected, with 37 of those requiring hospitalization.

The shakes, labeled under the Sysco Imperial and Lyons ReadyCare brands, are manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Their primary distribution has been to hospitals and long-term care facilities. Both Prairie Farms and distributor Lyons Magnus have issued recalls of the affected products.

The FDA has launched an onsite investigation in response to the outbreak. In its announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that it began investigating these illnesses in 2018 but had previously lacked sufficient information to pinpoint a specific cause for Listeria infections in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. The investigation was reopened in October after six new cases emerged, and the outbreak strain of bacteria was identified in Prairie Farms samples earlier this month.

The FDA has also indicated that the actual number of cases may be higher than reported, as some individuals might recover without seeking medical attention and therefore not be tested for Listeria. Experts recommend that those who develop symptoms of Listeria infection seek medical care promptly. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, which can escalate to more severe indicators such as a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or seizures.

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On February 21, 2025, the reported cases comprise individuals whose samples were collected between August 17, 2018, and January 23, 2025. Among the 38 affected individuals, 12 deaths have been confirmed across various states, including California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Many patients were either residents of long-term care facilities or were hospitalized before getting sick.

The FDA advises against consuming the recalled products and recommends that individuals clean any areas that may have been in contact with these shakes, such as refrigerators and surfaces. The shakes in question are sold in four-ounce cartons and are available in flavors including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Sysco has stated it will notify customers potentially affected by the recalls and has ceased purchases of other products supplied by Lyons Magnus from the Prairie Farms Dairy facility. Sysco emphasized that food safety remains its top priority, expressing condolences for those affected by the outbreak and their families.

Overall, this outbreak represents a significant public health concern. Listeria is noted as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, resulting in approximately 260 fatalities annually. The outbreak related to these shakes has surpassed the previous year’s death toll connected to listeria-tainted deli meats produced by Boar’s Head, which resulted in ten fatalities and 57 illnesses.

The CDC continues to monitor the ongoing situation, as it worked to collect epidemiologic and traceback data that ultimately revealed contamination from the shakes manufactured by Prairie Farms. Further laboratory testing is ongoing to trace the source of the Listeria detected in environmental samples collected by the FDA.

Featured image credit: CDC/Pexels