Deadly risk? FDA recalls popular item served in hospitals and nursing homes
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Something concerning has been unfolding in healthcare facilities across the country, but few saw it coming.
A product meant to provide nourishment and care has instead been linked to a serious and far-reaching health risk.
Now, federal agencies are stepping in, issuing an urgent warning and a nationwide recall.
Could this recall affect someone you know?
A nationwide recall by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been issued for cartons of frozen shakes distributed to nursing homes and healthcare facilities after being linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak.
The contaminated products, sold under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, have caused 11 deaths and 38 illnesses across 21 states, prompting swift action from health officials.
Listeria symptoms can take anywhere from the same day up to 10 weeks to appear after consuming contaminated food.
Mild cases can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while severe infections may lead to headaches, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.
For residents of hospitals and nursing homes, this outbreak is especially alarming.
Unlike grocery store recalls—where consumers can simply discard affected items—this recall requires immediate action from foodservice providers to prevent further exposure in institutional kitchens.
Deadly listeria outbreak linked to recalled supplemental shakes. Source: WKYC Channel 3 / YouTube
The FDA’s investigation found that multiple product samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, matching genetic strains from infected patients.
This contamination remained undetected for years, silently impacting unsuspecting consumers in healthcare settings.
According to the FDA’s report, the outbreak has been linked to 11 deaths and 38 confirmed illnesses across 21 states.
Laboratory testing confirmed that Listeria bacteria were present in product samples, solidifying the connection between the recalled shakes and the outbreak.
Unlike traditional recalls affecting grocery store products, these shakes were never sold in retail stores.
Instead, they were distributed exclusively through foodservice channels to hospitals and long-term care facilities, putting vulnerable populations—such as elderly residents and immunocompromised patients—at heightened risk.
The FDA continues to investigate how the contamination persisted for so long and whether more recalls will follow.
Nursing homes and hospitals are urged to discard any remaining stock immediately and monitor patients for possible symptoms.
For those who may have been exposed, seeking medical attention at the first sign of illness is crucial—particularly for those at high risk.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only Listeria outbreak making headlines.
Here at The GrayVine, we’ve covered other major recalls, including a shocking contamination linked to Boar’s Head products and another deadly outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meats.
As public health officials work to contain these ongoing threats, staying informed about food safety recalls has never been more critical.
Have you or someone you know been affected by this recall? Join the conversation below and share your thoughts.
Read more: Attention shoppers: This popular grocery item has been pulled from shelves—here’s why
A product meant to provide nourishment and care has instead been linked to a serious and far-reaching health risk.
Now, federal agencies are stepping in, issuing an urgent warning and a nationwide recall.
Could this recall affect someone you know?
A nationwide recall by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been issued for cartons of frozen shakes distributed to nursing homes and healthcare facilities after being linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak.
The contaminated products, sold under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, have caused 11 deaths and 38 illnesses across 21 states, prompting swift action from health officials.
Check in with your loved ones to see if they have these shakes. Image source: WKYC Channel 3 / YouTube.
Listeria symptoms can take anywhere from the same day up to 10 weeks to appear after consuming contaminated food.
Mild cases can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while severe infections may lead to headaches, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.
For residents of hospitals and nursing homes, this outbreak is especially alarming.
Unlike grocery store recalls—where consumers can simply discard affected items—this recall requires immediate action from foodservice providers to prevent further exposure in institutional kitchens.
Deadly listeria outbreak linked to recalled supplemental shakes. Source: WKYC Channel 3 / YouTube
The FDA’s investigation found that multiple product samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, matching genetic strains from infected patients.
This contamination remained undetected for years, silently impacting unsuspecting consumers in healthcare settings.
According to the FDA’s report, the outbreak has been linked to 11 deaths and 38 confirmed illnesses across 21 states.
Laboratory testing confirmed that Listeria bacteria were present in product samples, solidifying the connection between the recalled shakes and the outbreak.
Unlike traditional recalls affecting grocery store products, these shakes were never sold in retail stores.
Instead, they were distributed exclusively through foodservice channels to hospitals and long-term care facilities, putting vulnerable populations—such as elderly residents and immunocompromised patients—at heightened risk.
The FDA continues to investigate how the contamination persisted for so long and whether more recalls will follow.
Nursing homes and hospitals are urged to discard any remaining stock immediately and monitor patients for possible symptoms.
For those who may have been exposed, seeking medical attention at the first sign of illness is crucial—particularly for those at high risk.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only Listeria outbreak making headlines.
Here at The GrayVine, we’ve covered other major recalls, including a shocking contamination linked to Boar’s Head products and another deadly outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meats.
As public health officials work to contain these ongoing threats, staying informed about food safety recalls has never been more critical.
Read more: Attention shoppers: This popular grocery item has been pulled from shelves—here’s why
