Lyons Magnus has recalled selected nutritional shakes due to a deadly listeria outbreak, claiming 11 lives across 21 states, but there might be more beneath the surface.
Quick Takes
- Lyons Magnus recalled products linked to 11 deaths and 38 infections.
- Affected nutritional shakes include Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial.
- Prairie Farms, the manufacturer, is at the core of the outbreak.
- The outbreak traced back to 2018 remains under FDA investigation.
Recall Details
Lyons Magnus issued a national recall for their Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. This decision follows the identification of a listeria outbreak, which has tragically led to 11 deaths and affected 38 individuals across 21 states. The outbreak is traced to products originally manufactured by Prairie Farms, primarily distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities.
In response, Lyons Magnus halted all purchases from Prairie Farms’ facility and swiftly ensured all impacted products were withdrawn from circulation. Most victims resided in healthcare or care settings, where their compromised health further exacerbated the impacts of listeriosis, which causes fever, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, confusion and convulsions.
Investigation and Origins
The FDA continues to scrutinize the outbreak circumstances, which have been traced back to 2018. Source tracking indicated that 20 of the cases surfaced as recently as 2024 and 2025. Listeriosis poses high risks to pregnant women, people over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. With its distribution largely confined to healthcare facilities, retail avenues have remained unaffected.
“As soon as Lyons Magnus learned of the issue, it took immediate action to halt the purchase of all products from the affected Prairie Farms facility, notify customers, and ensure that impacted products were removed from distribution nationally.” – Lyons Magnus
Nearly all those infected have required hospitalization, a testament to the severity of the outbreak. The FDA’s investigation is still in progress, focusing on the precise origins and spread of the bacteria. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant regarding products originally sourced from the specific manufacturer involved.
Future Implications and Actions
The upheaval caused by this outbreak serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent food safety protocols. Lyons Magnus, while not directly at fault, has demonstrated prompt responsiveness by notifying customers, addressing the recall, and ceasing engagements with the implicated facility. Vigilance remains key as the FDA delves deeper into the outbreak’s roots and long-term implications.
Such events highlight complex challenges within the food industry, urging increased reporting transparency and collaborative rectification efforts among manufacturers, distributors, and regulatory agencies to safeguard public health.
