A deadly listeria outbreak linked to frozen nutrition shakes sold to nursing homes and hospitals has claimed the lives of 11 people, with over 90% of cases involving long-term care facilities or hospitalization. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide recall on Friday, covering all Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes within their shelf-life.
As of February 21, the FDA was aware of 38 illnesses linked to the outbreak across 21 states, with 11 deaths reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously tracked a similar outbreak in 2018, but were unable to identify the source at the time. The current investigation is ongoing.
The recall affects products sold under brand names Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial, which were distributed to long-term care facilities and hospitals nationwide. The FDA is working with local agencies, including the CDC, to track the outbreak and prevent further cases.
Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is a serious foodborne infection that can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations such as older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women. Symptoms of listeriosis may not appear until weeks after consumption, including fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and death.
This is the second major foodborne illness outbreak in 2025, following a recall for Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries linked to salmonella infections. The Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial recall serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring food safety and taking action against contaminated products.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/02/22/listeria-outbreak-fda-recall-lyons-readycare-sysco-imperial-supplement-shakes/79660967007