What is Listeria Poisoning? Linked to the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Brands

A deadly listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplement shakes has spread across 21 states. (Photo Credits: CDC)

The Outbreak and Investigation

The death toll from a listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplement shakes distributed in nursing homes and hospitals has risen to 12, according to an FDA update on Monday. The agency launched its investigation on Friday, tracing the outbreak to shakes sold under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands.

In collaboration with the CDC and local health authorities, the FDA is monitoring the outbreak, which has spread across 21 states and primarily affected patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Nearly 90% of those infected either lived in long-term care facilities or were already hospitalized before falling ill.

Product Recall

Lyons Magnus LLC has issued a voluntary recall for several Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes that remain within their shelf life. On Monday, the company identified the source of the issue as shakes produced by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. at its facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

According to Lyons Magnus, all recalled shakes have "best buy" dates between 02/21/25 and 02/21/26. The list of recalled products includes:

• ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake

• ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake

• ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake

• ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA

• ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA

• ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake Plus

• ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake Plus

• ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake Plus

• ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA

• ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA

• Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake

• Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake

• Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake

• Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA

• Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA

• Imperial Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA

• Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA

What is Listeriosis (Listeria Poisoning)?

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a serious foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, posing the greatest risk to older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant individuals.

Symptoms may take weeks to appear after consuming contaminated food. The USDA advises high-risk individuals with flu-like symptoms within two months of exposure to seek medical care.

Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Severe cases can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, life-threatening infections in newborns, or death.

Ongoing Listeria Outbreak and Affected States

The CDC had been tracking the same outbreak since 2018, with 20 cases emerging in 2024 and 2025. However, during previous investigations, epidemiologists were unable to pinpoint the source of the infections.

The current case count includes illnesses reported since the initial outbreak in 2018, as the outbreak remains active. Listeria infections linked to this recall have been identified in 21 states:

• Alabama

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Florida

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Maryland

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Nevada

• New York

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Pennsylvania

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Washington

• West Virginia

Advice for Consumers

The FDA advises consumers, especially those in vulnerable groups, to avoid consuming any of the recalled products and to consult healthcare providers if they develop symptoms of listeriosis. Institutions that have received the recalled products should follow proper disposal procedures to prevent further exposure.

Conclusion

The listeria outbreak linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes highlights the critical importance of food safety, particularly in healthcare settings. The FDA, CDC, and other health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to prevent additional cases and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.