WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to supplement shakes distributed in long-term care facilities. These products, which have been recalled, were primarily served to vulnerable populations on medically required diets in institutional settings, underscoring significant public health concerns.
The outbreak has affected at least 38 people across 21 states, resulting in 37 hospitalizations and 12 deaths. Those impacted range in age from 43 to 101 years, with older adults over 65 years being disproportionately affected. According to the CDC, most of these cases occurred in 2024 and 2025, despite infections dating back as far as 2018. The persistence of the Listeria outbreak reflects the pathogen’s inherent resilience, as it can survive on surfaces and in refrigeration conditions for prolonged periods.
The CDC revealed that repeated efforts over the years to identify the source of the outbreak were inconclusive until recent environmental testing and whole genome sequencing pinpointed supplement shakes distributed by Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco. Both companies have since initiated recalls of all affected products still within their shelf life.
High-Risk Populations and Serious Health Risks
This outbreak is particularly concerning due to the medically vulnerable populations it has impacted. The recalled supplement shakes were primarily served to individuals in long-term care facilities, including those on soft diets for medical reasons. These products were not sold to the general public but were distributed exclusively to institutional settings.
Listeria is especially dangerous for older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. “Listeria is more likely to spread beyond the gut to other parts of [these individuals’] bodies, causing invasive listeriosis,” according to the CDC. Among pregnant women, infection may result in pregnancy loss, premature birth, or severe illness in newborns. For others, symptoms can escalate to severe complications such as confusion, seizures, or loss of balance, often necessitating hospitalization.
Symptoms typically manifest within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can appear as early as the day of exposure or up to 10 weeks later. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, while those in high-risk categories may experience more severe complications.
CDC Recommendations for Individuals and Businesses
For individuals, the CDC advises discarding any recalled shakes immediately or returning them to the point of purchase. Contaminated surfaces, refrigerators, and containers should be thoroughly cleaned, as Listeria can persist and spread to other foods. Those experiencing symptoms after consuming the products should seek medical attention promptly.
The CDC also emphasized steps for businesses to prevent further cases, recommending that all recalled products be removed from shelves and avoided in food service. Businesses should also adhere to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) cleaning and handling guidelines when dealing with recalled items.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
This outbreak, marked by high hospitalization and fatality rates, underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety practices, particularly in settings that serve medically vulnerable populations. Advanced testing methods like genome sequencing were instrumental in resolving this years-long investigation, signaling the growing role of technical innovation in protecting public health.
The CDC warns that Listeria outbreaks can be prolonged and severe if preventative measures are not rigorously followed. Moving forward, public health authorities stress the necessity of stringent quality controls, rapid response protocols, and continued awareness efforts to safeguard consumers. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need to prioritize food safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For more on Listeria, visit the CDC’s Listeria homepage. For state-specific cases, contact the state health department.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.