Listeria Outbreak Linked to Supplemental Shakes Results in 11 Deaths and Multiple Hospitalizations

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The FDA has confirmed a recall of nutritional shakes due to a Listeria outbreak that has resulted in 11 deaths and hospitalized 27 people across 21 states. The outbreak is linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes, which were distributed to long-term care facilities and hospitals. As of Friday, 38 people have been infected, with 34 of the victims being residents in long-term care facilities or already hospitalized. The FDA was first notified of the outbreak on November 25 last year, with many ill people residing in long-term care facilities prior to illness onset.

The company responsible for the shakes, Lyons Magnus, has voluntarily recalled all 4 oz. packs of the affected products in response to a recall from manufacturer Prairie Farms. The recall was issued after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the outbreak can be traced back to 2018. Symptoms of Listeriosis, a listeria infection, typically start two weeks after eating contaminated food but can start up to 10 weeks later, and may include fever, muscle aches, and nausea. Pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

The FDA has stated that the outbreak can be traced back seven years, although it was not clear exactly how, when, or where the infections were reported. The company, Lyons Magnus, 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. The recall highlights the importance of food safety and the need for companies to take prompt action in response to outbreaks.

A list of key facts about the outbreak includes: * 11 deaths have been reported * 27 people have been hospitalized * 38 people have been infected across 21 states * 34 victims were either residents in long-term care facilities or had already been hospitalized * The outbreak can be traced back to 2018 * Symptoms of Listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, and nausea * Pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk

The recall of the nutritional shakes is a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for companies to take prompt action in response to outbreaks. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to investigate the outbreak and work to prevent further illnesses. In the meantime, consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled products and to discard them immediately. The outbreak has raised concerns about the safety of food products, particularly in long-term care facilities and hospitals, and highlights the need for increased vigilance and monitoring to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.