Multi-State Shake Recall Results in 'Deadly' Listeria Outbreak—Here's What to Know

Nathan Hutsenpiller

Wed, February 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM UTC

2 min read

The FDA and CDC are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
As of February 24, 2025, 38 people from 21 states have been infected with the Listeria outbreak, with 37 hospitalized and 12 confirmed dead, prompting a recall of the contaminated products.
The Listeria detected in samples from the Prairie Farms facility is closely related to the strain causing illnesses nationwide, with symptoms ranging from mild fever and nausea to severe headache and convulsions, posing a risk to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with state and local partners to investigate illnesses in a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. The outbreak has been linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes, both of which were manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. within the Prairie Farms facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

On February 22, 2025 Lyons Magnus LLC recalled 4-ounce containers of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. However, as of February 24, a total of 38 people from 21 states have already been infected with the Listeria outbreak. Of those 38 people, 37 have been hospitalized and 12 confirmed dead.

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ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial ShakesCourtesy of the FDA

While the FDA has conducted an onsite inspection resulting in the collection of environmental and product samples, three of those samples have already tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. A Whole Genome Sequencing analysis conducted by the team also determined that the Listeria detected in the samples is, in fact, closely related to the strain of Listeria currently causing illnesses across the country.

What we know as of right now is the frozen supplemental shakes under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brand names were sold to institutional food service settings nationwide, such as long-term care facilities and hospitals. While the status of the recall is still "ongoing," additional information can be found in the recall notice provided by Lyons Magnus LLC, as well as a list of the products in question .

Listeria infections are no joke. Symptoms usually start within two weeks after consuming contaminated food and may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea, while more severe symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Distributors and food service customers alike who purchased or received any of the recalled products mentioned above should not sell or serve these products. Additionally, all surfaces or containers that may have touched the contaminated products should be carefully cleaned and sanitized before using further. Listeria can easily survive in refrigerated temperatures and will absolutely spread to other foods and surfaces.

While the FDA has provided its own safe handling and cleaning advice to help consumers reduce the risk of cross-contamination, those most at-risk should still take extreme caution. Pregnant women and newborns, adults aged 65 or older and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to infection. Those who feel they might be experiencing symptoms should reach out to a healthcare provider right away.

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