A multistate Listeria outbreak has resulted in 38 cases, 37 hospitalizations, and 12 deaths, prompting a recall and ongoing investigation by the FDA and CDC.
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Image credits: FDA
A multistate Listeria outbreak has been traced to Prairie Farms supplement shakes, leading to an ongoing investigation by the FDA, CDC, and state health officials. As of February 21, 2025, 38 people in 21 states have been affected, with 37 hospitalizations and 12 deaths. The contaminated shakes, sold under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, were distributed to food service operators, including long-term care facilities and hospitals. On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus LLC recalled the affected 4 oz frozen shakes.1
Public health officials have advised against consuming the recalled shakes and recommend throwing them away or returning them. Surfaces that came in contact with the shakes should be cleaned, as Listeria can survive in refrigerators. People at higher risk, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, should seek medical care immediately if they show symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or confusion. Businesses are instructed not to sell or serve the recalled products and to follow FDA cleaning guidelines.1
The outbreak was traced back to Prairie Farms supplement shakes after traceback investigations and environmental samples taken from the company’s Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. In November 2024, the FDA identified the presence of Listeria in the facility, and whole-genome sequencing confirmed a match between the environmental samples and those from infected patients. Most patients affected by the outbreak were from long-term care facilities, with ages ranging from 43 to 101 years, and the median age being 78. The fatalities were reported in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.2
Total Illnesses: 38
Hospitalizations: 37
Deaths: 12
Last Specimen Collection Date: January 23, 2025
States with Cases: AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, WA, and WV
Product Distribution: Nationwide2
Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate food and cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable groups. Invasive illness, affecting multiple organs, and intestinal illness, affecting the digestive system, are both linked to Listeria infection. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Listeria infection results in approximately 1,600 cases and 260 deaths annually in the US.3
FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
