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A nationwide listeria outbreak linked to recalled frozen supplemental nutrition shakes has claimed 12 lives and infected 38 people across 21 states, according to a joint update from the CDC and FDA released on February 24, 2025.
The outbreak has been traced to products manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy at their Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. Environmental swabs collected from the plant's processing area tested positive for listeria, confirming the source of contamination as investigators continue their work.
"Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations were unable to identify a source of the outbreak," the FDA stated in their latest alert. This current investigation has revealed cases dating back to 2018, with 20 infections occurring in 2024 and 2025 alone.
Of the 38 infected individuals, 37 required hospitalization. Health officials noted that the vast majority of victims reported living in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized before becoming ill, highlighting the vulnerability of these populations.
On February 22, Fresno-based food manufacturer Lyons Magnus initiated a voluntary recall of four-ounce Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes supplied by Prairie Farms. The recalled products, distributed primarily to nursing homes nationwide, included vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and strawberry banana flavors with best-by dates ranging from February 21, 2025, to February 21, 2026.
"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," Lyons Magnus stated following the recall announcement.
Sysco also released a statement expressing "most sincere condolences with those affected by this outbreak and their families."
This outbreak exceeds the severity of a 2024 listeria incident linked to Boar's Head deli meats that resulted in 10 deaths and 57 illnesses, making it the deadliest listeria outbreak since a 2011 contamination traced to cantaloupe.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations including the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, the infection poses significant risks for pregnant women, potentially causing miscarriages and stillbirths.
The CDC advises consumers who have purchased the recalled products to "quarantine" them immediately. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, especially if belonging to high-risk groups. For additional information, consumers can visit the company's website or contact Lyons Magnus directly.
Health officials continue monitoring the situation closely as the investigation remains active.
