A recent listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplemental shakes has resulted in a nationwide recall and tragically, multiple deaths and hospitalizations, primarily affecting residents of long-term care facilities. The FDA announced the recall of all Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental shakes after discovering the contamination.
“This outbreak underscores the critical importance of food safety protocols in healthcare settings, especially within nursing homes where residents are often more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses,” stated an FDA spokesperson.
The outbreak, which the CDC reports dates back to 2018, has resulted in 38 reported illnesses, 37 hospitalizations, and 11 deaths. A significant portion of the affected individuals resided in long-term care facilities prior to becoming ill. As the FDA explained in their statement, “FDA’s traceback investigation identified that each of the LTCF who supplied invoice information for review from 2024 to present received a frozen supplemental shake of either Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial brand.” Environmental samples collected by the FDA confirmed the presence of the outbreak strain of Listeria in the shakes.
The recalled shakes were distributed across 23 states, including Alabama, California, Colorado, and New York, primarily to long-term care facilities. Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, poses a significant risk to older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. The USDA advises that individuals in high-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming potentially contaminated food should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the possible exposure. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety within the nursing home industry and the devastating consequences that can arise when these measures fail. The recall serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to strict food safety guidelines to protect vulnerable populations.