Map Shows States With Listeria Cases as FDA Recalls Nutritional Shake
A nationwide recall of frozen nutritional shakes has been issued after a listeria outbreak tied to the drinks resulted in multiple hospitalizations and deaths across the United States, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the outbreak, which has been connected to shakes manufactured by a third-party facility for Lyons Magnus.
Why It Matters
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, this outbreak includes cases dating to 2018, with 20 across 2024 and 2025. The outbreak may raise further concerns due to the nature of the recalled products: People who consume the drinks may rely on supplemental nutrition for their health.Which Shakes Were Recalled?
The recall, which took place on February 22, involves 4-oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes. According to Lyons Magnus, the recalled products were distributed primarily to long-term care facilities and were not available for retail. The FDA lists the product distribution as "nationwide." A full list of recalled items is below:- ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake
- ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake
- ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake
- ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA
- ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA
- ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake Plus
- ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake Plus
- ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake Plus
- ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA
- ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA
- Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake
- Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake
- Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake
- Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA
- Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA
- Imperial Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA
- Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA
How Many People Have Been Affected?
As of February 24, 38 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria across the U.S., per an update from the FDA. Of the 38 for whom information is available, 37 have been hospitalized and 12 deaths have been reported. But information from the CDC indicated that the total number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, as many with listeria recover without medical care and/or are not tested.Where Did the Listeria Outbreak Originate?
The source of the contamination is believed to have been a third-party manufacturing facility, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the FDA reported. The agency conducted an on-site investigation of the facility, which revealed that three swabs collected from the processing area tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Further analysis determined that the listeria detected in the samples is closely related to the strain of listeria triggering illnesses in this outbreak, per the FDA. "Lyons Magnus' utmost concern is protecting consumers," the company said in a statement. "As soon as Lyons Magnus learned of the issue, we took immediate action to halt the purchase of all products from the affected Prairie Farms facility, notify customers, and ensure that impacted products were removed from distribution nationally."
