Tejal Somvanshi
Listeria contamination in nutrition drinks has been linked to 11 reported deaths and 38 infections across the United States. On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus recalled all its ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial nutrition shakes after finding they might contain dangerous Listeria bacteria.
The contamination particularly affected people in long-term care facilities. Of the 38 people infected, 34 were living in long-term care facilities or had been hospitalized before becoming sick. The outbreak’s severity is clear – 37 out of 38 infected people have been hospitalized.
Health investigators traced the problem to a dairy facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, run by Prairie Farms Dairy. This facility made the nutrition shakes for Lyons Magnus. When scientists tested the facility, they found the same dangerous strain of Listeria that made people sick.
“As soon as Lyons Magnus learned of the issue, it took immediate action,” the company said. They immediately stopped buying products from the contaminated facility and worked to remove all affected drinks from hospitals and nursing homes.
The recalled drinks include 17 different types – chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, including sugar-free versions. These drinks were distributed primarily to long-term care facilities and weren’t available for retail sale.
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The contamination is especially dangerous because Listeria bacteria can make people very sick. It causes fever, headaches, muscle pain, and nausea. For pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage. What makes this bacteria particularly tricky is that symptoms might not show up right away – they can appear anytime from the same day to 10 weeks after drinking a contaminated shake.
The outbreak includes cases dating back to 2018, though earlier investigations couldn’t identify the source. The breakthrough came in November 2024, when investigators finally connected the illnesses to these specific nutrition drinks by checking what long-term care facilities had been serving their residents.
Healthcare facilities now face a critical task: they must not only stop using these drinks but also thoroughly clean any containers, refrigerators, or surfaces that touched them. This cleaning step is crucial because Listeria can survive in cold temperatures and easily spread to other foods.
The investigation continues as health officials work to prevent more illnesses. They’re particularly concerned because long-term care facility residents, who often rely on these nutrition drinks, are among the most vulnerable to severe illness from Listeria.
