The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an alert regarding a serious investigation into a listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplemental shakes. This incident has tragically led to 11 fatalities and 37 hospitalizations associated with Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen shakes, primarily distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities.

In November, the FDA was alerted to the possibility that these shakes were making nursing home residents ill, with some cases potentially dating back to 2018. The agency has confirmed that 20 cases of illness were connected to these shakes in 2024 and 2025.

Following its investigation, the FDA collected environmental samples and identified the outbreak strain of listeria in the affected drinks.

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The FDA has reported cases across 20 states, highlighting the widespread impact of this outbreak.

According to Sysco, the shakes were supplied by Lyons from a production facility located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and distributed to various facilities throughout the United States. In response to the crisis, Sysco has halted the distribution of the compromised products and reached out to customers about the recall.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this outbreak and their families. Food safety remains our utmost priority, and we are committed to enhancing our programs to safeguard our customers and communities from foodborne illnesses,” Sysco stated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that symptoms of listeria typically manifest between 1 to 4 weeks after consuming contaminated food, but can appear as early as the same day or even up to 70 days later. Infected individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and flu-like signs including fever and muscle aches. Pregnant individuals may face more severe complications like miscarriage, premature delivery, and serious infections in newborns.

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