At least 11 people have died and 37 others have been hospitalised in the United States following an outbreak of listeria linked to frozen nutritional shakes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected products, sold under the brands Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial, were distributed to nursing homes, hospitals, and other long-term care facilities.
The outbreak, which dates back to 2018, had remained a mystery until recent investigations identified the contaminated shakes as the source.
In total, 38 cases have been reported across 21 states, with the majority involving individuals who were already in care facilities or hospitalised when they fell ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Listeria outbreak traced to institutional nutrition products
The FDA confirmed that the recalled shakes were sold exclusively to institutional customers, meaning vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, hospital patients, and those with weakened immune systems—were primarily affected.
According to the CDC, 20 of the 38 reported cases occurred in 2024 and 2025, underscoring that the outbreak remains ongoing despite its origins dating back several years.
Listeria infections can be severe, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can manifest as early as the same day or up to 10 weeks later, according to the FDA.
Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while severe cases can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk.
The FDA is continuing its investigation into the source of the contamination and has advised healthcare facilities to cease using the affected products immediately.
Institutions that have stocked the shakes have been instructed to thoroughly sanitise any surfaces or equipment that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
Recall issued as investigation continues
Following the FDA’s findings, a voluntary recall has been issued for Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes.
The recall applies to all facilities that purchased the affected products, and they have been urged to stop distribution and dispose of any remaining stock.
Despite the identification of the source, the FDA’s investigation remains open, as officials seek to determine how the contamination occurred and whether additional products may be affected.
Meanwhile, the CDC has recommended that anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis contact a healthcare provider immediately.
