A listeria outbreak linked to Lyons Magnus nutritional shakes has resulted in 11 deaths and widespread concern.
Key Takeaways
- A range of nutritional shakes has been recalled due to links with 11 deaths and dozens of illnesses.
- The recalled shakes include Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes.
- The outbreak has been traced to a third-party manufacturer, Prairie Farms.
- The FDA continues to investigate the ongoing outbreak, which has affected 21 states.
Listeria Outbreak and Product Recall
Lyons Magnus has recalled nutritional shakes after several deaths and illnesses were linked to a listeria outbreak. The affected products include Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. This recall follows an initial alert from manufacturer Prairie Farms, which traced the contamination back to their production facility. The FDA has launched an investigation to address and contain the outbreak, impacting people across 21 states.
The ongoing outbreak has led to 38 reported cases, predominantly affecting already vulnerable populations such as residents of long-term care facilities. Most of the infected individuals required hospitalization, with 11 unfortunately succumbing to the illness. The outbreak has roots dating back to 2018, with recent cases occurring in 2024 and 2025.
Actions Taken and Vulnerable Groups
Upon detection of the listeria threat, Lyons Magnus quickly ceased procurement from the Prairie Farms facility and pulled affected products from circulation. “As soon as Lyons Magnus learned of the issue, it 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.” – Lyons Magnus
Among high-risk groups, such as older adults and those with weakened immune systems, the listeria bacteria can cause severe symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and confusion. There is ongoing concern for these groups, as they remain the most susceptible to infections.
FDA Involvement and Public Health Impact
The FDA has been actively involved since its notification in November of the previous year. The investigation seeks to determine the extent of the outbreak and ensure public safety by preventing further cases. As the recall affects distribution to long-term care facilities but not retail, authorities are ensuring that at-risk populations are protected.
With the FDA and Lyons Magnus collaborating on resolving and mitigating the outbreak, the focus is on swift action and public health awareness. Continued vigilance is necessary to ensure the safety of those potentially affected and to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.
