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Why was the supplemental shakes Listeria outbreak such an unfortunate source? That is a good question.
A deadly Listeria outbreak is always tragic. No one should become sick from eating food that is supposed to be safe and nutritious. But in this case, the intended consumer happened to be more vulnerable to this type of germ. Arguably making it a much worse situation.
Much like contaminated infant formula whose sole consumer often had weakened immune system and needed the product for nutrition. Supplemental shakes at long-term care and medical facilities fill a nutritional gap and are often a staple in another demographic.
The elderly or infirmed are the primary consumers of these supplemental shakes distributed to long-term care and medical facilities.
How big was the supplemental shakes Listeria outbreak and why did it take so long to discover a source? What exactly is Listeria and why are these groups of people more vulnerable to it?
It has taken years for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify a source for this Supplemental Shakes Listeria outbreak. In fact, illnesses have been reported as early as 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened an investigation for this Listeria outbreak in 2018. And then again in 2021 and 2023. When six new illnesses were reported in October 2024, the outbreak investigation was reopened. The data shows that at least 20 illnesses started in 2024 and 2025.
But this time, there was movement in the outbreak investigation.
Previous outbreak investigations could not narrow down the source of the patient’s severe illnesses. With most of the patients being residents in long-term care facilities or nursing homes, you would think that wouldn’t be too difficult.
Most food is regulated in these facilities.
Unfortunately, a specific food could not be identified. That is, until February 2025 when the outbreak strain was found in environmental samples from Prairie Farms. The producer of the tainted supplemental shakes.
While the last reported positive sample was January 23, 2025, and a recall pulled the contaminated product off the market, the outbreak impacted many lives.
Despite the recall appearing to successfully halt new cases, the damage spanning seven years has already been done.
There have been 38 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak. Though it is possible there are more that were not included in this investigation due to limited information. Of the 38 cases, all but one required hospitalization due to severe illnesses. So far, there have been 12 deaths reported in this outbreak.
Cases spanned 21 states, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania Tennessee, Texas, Washington state, and West Virginia.
Listeria monocytogenes is the germ responsible for listeriosis. It is a bacteria most commonly associated with foodborne illness that can start with mild intestinal symptoms and develop into serious and life-threatening complications.
While anyone can become infected with Listeria, most normally healthy people do not become seriously ill. There are certain groups, however, that are more at risk of becoming sick or experiencing more severe illness. Pregnant people and their newborns, those with a weakened immune system, and adults over 65 years are most susceptible.
The same people who were more likely to consume these products in long-term care and medical facilities.
Of the estimated 1,600 people each year that gets sick with Listeria in the United States each year, more than half occur among people 65 years of age or older.
Why does this happen in this age group?
There are certain risk factors that leaves these people more vulnerable to Listeria illness.
Older people also produce less stomach acid, a natural defense to kill germs.
As the human body ages, the immune system has a harder time responding to harmful germs. A problem that also effects people with a weakened immune system.
Some conditions can weaken you immune system, including:
The CDC estimates that 75% of people with Listeria infections are also in these categories.
Overall, 1 in 6 people in this category will die from their illness.
Listeriosis symptoms are a bit tricky. Symptoms vary based on whether a person is pregnant or not. Those who are pregnant often experience milder symptoms, though the bigger risk is to their fetus or newborn. It is not uncommon for pregnant people to consume these supplemental shakes while being hospitalized.
Pregnant people may experience fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, becoming sick with listeriosis while pregnant increases the chance of still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection of their newborn.
Symptoms for those who are not pregnant often include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Fever and muscle aches are also possible.
If you or a loved one has become sick from recalled frozen supplemental shakes from Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial, you may have a legal case.
The dairy product industry is held to standards to prevent contamination and adulteration. There are even specific Listeria protocols that these manufacturers must adhere to in order to prevent these types of outbreaks from occurring.
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous foodborne pathogen that can have serious and permanent impacts on a family. Missed time at work, medical bills, and other burdens of foodborne illness. Not to mention the ultimate loss of life some experienced in this outbreak.
An experienced Listeria lawyer, like those at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help navigate the legal process for you and help hold those responsible for your illness accountable for their negligence.
Call The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 or click here for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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