12 Deaths Tied to Listeria Outbreak Linked to Supplement Shakes
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12 Deaths Reported in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Supplement Shakes

The shakes were sold to hospitals and long-term care facilities, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and were not available for purchase by the public.
12 Deaths Reported in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Supplement Shakes
U.S. Food & Drug Administration; Everyday Health
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Published on February 27, 2025
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Frozen supplemental shakes sold to hospitals and long-term care facilities nationwide have been recalled by their manufacturer because of potential listeria contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week.

 At least 38 people have been infected with the Listeria monocytogenes strain tied to the outbreak, the FDA announced in a joint statement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All but one of those people were hospitalized, and 12 have died.

Distributor Lyons Magnus recalled 4 ounce (oz) frozen supplemental shakes sold under the brands Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial after an on-site inspection by the FDA found a strain of listeria at the manufacturing facility closely related to the one involved in the outbreak. Products affected by the recall are no longer being sold, the company said.

The shakes came in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. They were not available to the general public at retail stores.

Listeria Infection Can Be Fatal for Vulnerable Groups

Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks, but can begin as soon as the same day of exposure or as much as 10 weeks later, according to the FDA.

Mild symptoms of listeriosis can include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If listeriosis becomes severe, symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions

Most people who become infected experience a brief, mild illness, but people with autoimmune disease and those older than 65 can develop deadly infections.

Pregnant people who develop listeriosis may experience flu-like symptoms, but are also at risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery, as well as life-threatening infections in their newborns.

Seek medical care immediately if you have symptoms of listeriosis.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Lyons Magnus Recalls Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes Manufactured by Third Party Because of Possible Health Risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. February 23, 2025.
  2. Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Frozen Supplemental Shakes (February 2025). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. February 24, 2025.
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