38 people were hospitalized.
A listeria outbreak connected to frozen shakes distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities has led to 38 illnesses and 12 deaths, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These shakes were sold under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands but were not available to the general public. The contaminated products were offered in various flavors and served in four-ounce cartons.
The FDA traced the source of the outbreak to a Prairie Farms production plant in Indiana. Following the discovery of listeria in samples from the facility, both Lyons Magnus and Sysco recalled the products and suspended their sales. This move was aimed at preventing further contamination and protecting vulnerable populations.
Sysco expressed sympathy for those affected and committed to addressing the issue. Listeria, a bacterium that can cause severe infections, poses heightened risks to elderly individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The companies involved have focused on reinforcing food safety protocols in response to the incident.
This outbreak has impacted 21 states, with nearly all confirmed cases requiring hospitalization. It follows a similar outbreak the previous year involving deli meats, which led to numerous illnesses and fatalities. Sysco has reassured the public that food safety remains a priority and that efforts to prevent future outbreaks will continue.
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