A long-running multistate outbreak of Listeria has been linked to supplement shakes distributed in long-term care facilities, according to a recent alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has infected 38 people across 21 states, resulting in 12 deaths and 37 hospitalizations.
The contamination is particularly concerning because the products—supplemental shakes designed for those on medically necessary soft diets—were distributed nationwide to institutional settings. Because these products are not available to the general public, the risk is concentrated among vulnerable populations in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The CDC notes that while some cases date back as far as 2018, the outbreak has surged recently, with more than half of the affected individuals falling ill in 2024 or 2025. This prolonged timeline is characteristic of Listeria, a hardy bacterium capable of surviving on surfaces and in refrigerated environments for extended periods, making it tricky for investigators to pin down a specific source.
As a result of the investigation, Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco have recalled all supplement shakes under their brands that are within their shelf life. The recall is being coordinated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is handling inquiries regarding the affected products.
The Path to Identification: From 2018 to 2025
For years, the CDC investigated this specific strain of Listeria without being able to identify the exact food source. Investigators knew the infections were linked to something served within long-term care facilities, but the evidence remained inconclusive until this year. The breakthrough came through a combination of environmental testing and whole genome sequencing, which allowed scientists to match the bacteria found in the facilities to the specific strain causing the illnesses.
The demographic data highlights the severe impact on the elderly. Those affected range in age from 43 to 101 years, with adults over 65 being the most heavily impacted. This age group, along with people with weakened immune systems, is at a higher risk for “invasive listeriosis,” a condition where the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body, often leading to sepsis or meningitis.
| Metric | Confirmed Total |
|---|---|
| Total Infections | 38 |
| States Affected | 21 |
| Hospitalizations | 37 |
| Fatalities | 12 |
| Primary Risk Group | Adults 65+ |
Recognizing Symptoms and Risks
Unlike many foodborne illnesses that manifest within hours, Listeria can have a deceptive incubation period. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks, but the CDC warns they can emerge as early as the day of consumption or as late as 10 weeks later.
For the majority of affected individuals, the illness begins with fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However, as the infection progresses toward invasive listeriosis, patients may experience more severe neurological symptoms, including a stiff neck, intense headaches, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. For pregnant women, the risks are even more acute, as the bacteria can cross the placental barrier, potentially leading to pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Because the supplement shakes were intended for patients on soft diets—often those with swallowing difficulties or other chronic health conditions—the victims of this outbreak were already in a state of heightened medical fragility, compounding the severity of the infections.
Immediate Steps for Facilities and Caregivers
Public health officials are urging long-term care facilities and caregivers to take immediate action to prevent further spread. Because Listeria can persist in cold environments, simply removing the shakes may not be enough to eliminate the risk.
- Product Disposal: Any recalled supplement shakes should be thrown away immediately or returned to the supplier. They must not be consumed.
- Sanitization: Refrigerators, storage containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- Medical Monitoring: Healthcare providers should be contacted immediately if a resident or patient exhibits symptoms of fever or confusion after consuming these products.
The CDC emphasizes that the bacteria’s ability to spread from surfaces to other foods makes rigorous cleaning essential in institutional kitchens and medication carts where these shakes may have been stored.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of foodborne illnesses.
The FDA continues to monitor the recall process and the effectiveness of the product removals from institutional settings. Further updates regarding the scope of the recall or the identification of additional contaminated lots will be released as the investigation concludes.
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