Listeria Found in Supplemental Shakes Distributed at Hospitals and Nursing Homes Across America Kills 11 And Hospitalizes 37
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 22, 2025 8 hours, 24 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Supplemental Shakes
A devastating outbreak of listeria infections has been linked to frozen supplemental shakes, causing at least 11 deaths and hospitalizing 37 people across 21 states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the contaminated products were sold under the brand names "Sysco Imperial" and "Lyons ReadyCare." These nutritional shakes were primarily distributed to hospitals and nursing homes, where they were consumed by vulnerable individuals, including elderly patients and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria Found in Supplemental Shakes Distributed at Hospitals and Nursing Homes Across America Kills 11 And Hospitalizes 37
The U.S. FDA has issued an urgent recall of these products, warning consumers and healthcare providers about the potential dangers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the outbreak includes cases dating back to 2018, highlighting the persistent nature of the contamination. This
U.S. Medical News report underscores the serious threat listeria poses, particularly in medical and care settings where patients already face health challenges.
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-frozen-supplemental-shakes-february-2025
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria is a dangerous type of bacteria that ranks as the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. It is particularly harmful to older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeria infection can appear days or even weeks after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, patients may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and even life-threatening complications such as meningitis.
Health officials are urging anyone who has consumed these shakes and experiences symptoms to seek medical care immediately. While healthy individuals may recover without medical intervention, those in high-risk groups often require antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.
Investigation and Response from Authorities
The U.S. FDA, in collaboration with the U.S. CDC, is actively investigating the source of the contamination and the extent of its spread. The agency is working closely with Lyons Magnus, the manufacturer of the shakes, to determine how the bacteria infiltrated the production process. Sysco, a major distributor of the recalled products, released a statement expressing its deepest sympathies for the affected families and reaffirmed its commitment to food safety.
"Sysco expresses our most sincere condolences to those affected by this outbrea
k and their families," the company stated. "Food safety is and will continue to be our top priority, and our focus will always be on improving these programs that protect our customers and communities from foodborne illnesses."
The company has taken immediate action by halting all purchases of similar products from the Lyons Magnus facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Additionally, Sysco has notified its customers about the recall and is cooperating with authorities to prevent further cases.
Steps to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones
Health officials are advising consumers and healthcare providers to check their supplies for the recalled products and dispose of them immediately. If you or someone you know has consumed these shakes, monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Washing hands, kitchen surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling potentially contaminated food can also help prevent the spread of listeria.
The U.S. FDA and U.S. CDC recommend that hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities review their food safety protocols to ensure they are not inadvertently serving contaminated products to vulnerable patients. Routine food safety checks and proper refrigeration of perishable items can help mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
Conclusion
This tragic listeria outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent food safety measures, particularly in healthcare and long-term care settings. The recall of these contaminated supplemental shakes highlights the need for stricter monitoring and improved quality control to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation into the source of the contamination is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure that no further cases emerge.
For those affected, the impact has been devastating, with families mourning the loss of loved ones and survivors enduring serious health complications. As the FDA and CDC continue their efforts to contain the outbreak, the public is urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
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