The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that they are investigating a multi-state outbreak of listeria infections linked to frozen supplemental shakes produced by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc.
38 individuals across 21 states have been diagnosed with listeria monocytogenes infections associated with this outbreak, according to the FDA. Of those affected, 37 have required hospitalization, and 12 fatalities have been reported. Prairie Farms Dairy has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the outbreak.
The FDA has issued a recall for the affected frozen supplemental shakes, which were distributed under the brands Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial. These products were supplied to hospitals and long-term care facilities nationwide, potentially exposing vulnerable populations to the bacteria.
Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria known to contaminate various foods, often leading to serious infections. Symptoms of listeria infection typically include fever, muscle aches, and nausea. While symptoms generally appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, they can develop as soon as the same day or take 10 weeks to emerge.
As part of its investigation, the FDA conducted an onsite inspection at the Prairie Farms facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Environmental and product samples were collected for testing, and three swabs taken from the processing area tested positive for listeria monocytogenes.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are advising healthcare providers, hospitals, and consumers to be cautious, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness, such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. The recall aims to prevent further cases and protect public health while the investigation remains ongoing.
