Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Milkshake Recall Across US

A variety of milkshakes has been subject to a recall following their connection to 11 fatalities and numerous serious health issues, particularly among residents of long-term care facilities and hospitals, as confirmed by the FDA on Friday. The food service firm Lyons Magnus announced on Saturday that it was voluntarily recalling all 4 oz. packets of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes, in response to a recall initiated by the manufacturer Prairie Farms, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Extent of the Outbreak

As of consumer reports on Friday, a total of 38 individuals across 21 states have reportedly become infected. Among these cases, 27 individuals required hospitalization and 11 fatalities occurred, although the FDA did not specify the timing of these fatalities and indicated that the outbreak could be traced back to seven years ago. Notably, 34 of the affected individuals were either residents of long-term care facilities or had already been hospitalized. The FDA also mentioned that records from the involved facilities indicated that the shakes were accessible to both residents and patients.

FDA's Notification and Response

The FDA revealed that it was first alerted to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to the affected product on November 25 of the previous year, particularly with numerous affected individuals residing in long-term care facilities prior to the onset of their illness. In response to this issue, Lyons Magnus promptly took measures to cease the procurement of all products from the concerned Prairie Farms facility. The company also notified its customers and ensured the removal of impacted products from distribution nationwide.

Tracing the Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that this outbreak could be traced back to 2018; however, it remained unclear how, when, or where the infections were reported. Symptoms of a listeria infection, known as Listeriosis, typically manifest within a two-week period after the consumption of contaminated food, but they may also appear up to 10 weeks later. Common symptoms encompass fever, muscle aches, and nausea, with serious cases presenting confusion, stiff neck, and convulsions. Pregnant women, individuals over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems are identified as being most at risk.