CDC Declares Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frozen Supplemental Shakes Over; 14 Dead, 42 Infected

Washington, D.C. – Federal health officials have declared the end of a deadly multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections tied to frozen nutritional shakes distributed nationwide to hospitals and long-term care facilities.

According to a joint update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the outbreak was linked to 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. at its Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. The outbreak investigation, which began earlier this year, is now officially closed.

Scope of the Outbreak

As of May 16, a total of 42 confirmed illnesses across 21 states were linked to the outbreak strain. Of those infected, 41 were hospitalized and 14 deaths were reported. The last known specimen collection date was March 13, 2025.

States affected include: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.

The contaminated products—Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial shakes—were intended for foodservice use and primarily distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities. Lyons Magnus LLC, the distributor, voluntarily recalled the shakes in February 2025. The recall covered products with best-by dates ranging from February 21, 2025, to February 21, 2026.

The FDA confirmed that these products should no longer be available on the market. Distributors and foodservice institutions were advised to discard any remaining stock and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the product, as Listeria can survive refrigeration and spread easily.

Health Risks of Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While some may experience only mild symptoms such as fever, nausea, and fatigue, more severe cases can result in meningitis, bloodstream infections, or death. In pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in newborns.

The CDC and FDA worked alongside state and local partners to trace the source of the infections and coordinate a nationwide response. While the outbreak has been declared over, health officials urge the public and foodservice operators to remain vigilant, especially when handling foods for high-risk populations.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider listeriosis in patients presenting symptoms and to report suspected cases to local health departments.

Further Information

For those concerned about potential exposure, particularly individuals in high-risk groups, the CDC recommends contacting a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of listeriosis develop.

More details, including the original recall notice and food safety guidance, can be found on the FDA and CDC websites.

Recalled Products

On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus LLC initiated a recall of 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes.

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