FDA Issues Urgent Recall Over Contaminated Shakes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to a listeria outbreak linked to multiple hospitalizations and deaths. The recall, announced on February 21, affects shakes distributed by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. The FDA confirmed that at least 38 people have fallen ill, with 37 hospitalizations and 11 deaths reported so far.
Health officials identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes after investigating long-term care facilities (LTCFs), where many of the affected individuals resided before becoming ill. The contamination was traced back to the frozen shakes, prompting the FDA to urge consumers to discard them immediately.
Listeria Outbreak Traced Back to 2018
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the listeria outbreak dates as far back as 2018, though the exact source remained unknown until now. A significant number of reported cases occurred in 2024 and 2025, mostly among older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems in LTCFs.
The FDA stated that 89% of affected individuals either lived in long-term care facilities or had been hospitalized before experiencing symptoms. Records from these facilities showed that the recalled nutritional shakes were commonly provided to residents, further linking them to the outbreak.
Health Risks and FDA Investigation
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly harmful to older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, and digestive issues, which can develop within two weeks to ten weeks after consuming contaminated food.
The contaminated shakes were distributed across multiple states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and New York. The FDA is continuing its investigation to ensure no further contaminated products remain in circulation. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of any affected products to prevent further illnesses.
