FDA Recalls Frozen Milkshakes After Dangerous Contamination Discovery

"Urgent safety recall sign in bold letters."

A deadly listeria outbreak linked to frozen shakes has claimed 11 lives and sickened 38 across 21 states, prompting an urgent FDA recall.

Key Insights

Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes are the source of the contamination.
The outbreak primarily affects residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
The FDA has issued a voluntary recall and advises facilities to stop serving these shakes immediately.
Listeria monocytogenes poses significant risks to older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The outbreak dates back to 2018, with 20 cases recorded in 2024 and 2025.

Deadly Outbreak Strikes Vulnerable Population

A severe listeria outbreak has rocked the nation, claiming 11 lives and infecting 38 individuals across 21 states, including Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has traced the source to frozen supplemental shakes commonly served in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The contaminated products, identified as Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, have been urgently recalled to prevent further spread of the potentially fatal bacteria.

The outbreak has primarily affected our most vulnerable citizens—elderly residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. This tragic situation underscores the critical importance of stringent food safety measures, especially for products destined for consumption by at-risk populations. The FDA’s swift action in issuing a recall demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting public health, but questions remain about how such a widespread contamination could occur in the first place.

Listeria: A Silent Threat

Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The bacteria can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death. What makes listeria especially insidious is its long incubation period—symptoms can appear up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food, making it difficult to trace the source of infection.

The USDA said that “Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.”

Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Given the severity of the outbreak and the vulnerability of the affected population, it is crucial for caregivers and healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring for these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention if they occur.

Recall and Response

The FDA’s investigation revealed that the contaminated shakes were manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. at their Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. Lyons Magnus, the distributor of the affected products, has stopped purchasing from this facility and is working diligently to remove all impacted products from distribution. The recall, announced on February 22, 2025, covers various flavors and types of frozen shakes under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands.

According to a statement by the company, “Lyons Magnus LLC (“Lyons Magnus”) today announced that it is voluntarily recalling 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.”

The FDA has advised all facilities to immediately cease serving these shakes and to thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products. Consumers who may have purchased these products are urged to quarantine them and contact Lyons Magnus for further information. It’s important to note that these shakes were primarily distributed to long-term care facilities and are not available for retail sale, which may help limit the spread of the outbreak to the general public.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Precautions

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are continuing their investigation into this outbreak, which disturbingly dates back to 2018. This long-standing nature of the contamination raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current food safety protocols and the need for more rigorous testing and monitoring, especially for products destined for vulnerable populations.

Food supplier giant Sysco said it “expresses our most sincere condolences with those affected by this outbreak and their families. Food safety is and will continue to be our top priority, and our focus will always be on improving these programs that protect our customers and our communities from foodborne illnesses.”

As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals to review their food safety procedures and ensure they are sourcing products from reputable suppliers with stringent quality control measures. This tragic outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of foodborne illnesses and the critical importance of maintaining the highest standards of food safety, especially when caring for our most vulnerable citizens.