Listeria Outbreak: Frozen Shakes Sold to Nursing Homes Recalled After Disease Kills 11 Elderly Patrons

A recent listeria outbreak has proven deadly, as frozen shakes sold to nursing homes have been recalled following the deaths of 11 senior citizens.

According to USA Today, the FDA announced its investigation into the incident on Friday, stating that it is collaborating with the CDC and local authorities to follow the multistate outbreak of illnesses, most of which occurred in hospital and nursing facility patients. The federal agency also issued a voluntary recall notice for the affected goods sold under Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brand names.

The recall includes all Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes still within their shelf life.

As of Feb. 21, the FDA had identified 38 illnesses tied to the listeria outbreak in 21 states. All but one of the 38 were hospitalized, and 11 died. Almost 90% of sick patients said they lived in long-term care institutions or were hospitalized before falling ill.

The CDC had previously begun tracking the same listeria outbreak in 2018, with 20 cases reported in 2024 and 2025. Epidemiologists were unable to pinpoint the cause of the infections. Current case statistics include those between the original 2018 occurrence and the present, as the outbreak is ongoing.

Latest Deadly Listeria Outbreak

This deadly listeria outbreak is the most recent to afflict Americans. Earlier this month, the FDA labeled a recall of broccoli sold at Walmart “deadly.”

The FDA classified a voluntary recall and product alert for Braga Fresh’s Marketside Broccoli Florets as a Class 1 recall, indicating the greatest danger. On Dec. 31, 2024, the FDA issued an initial recall for Braga Fresh’s cleaned and ready-to-eat 12-ounce Marketside Broccoli Florets due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The broccoli florets had a best-if-used-by date of Dec. 10, 2024, a UPC of 6 81131 32884 5, and the lot code BFFG327A6.

On Jan. 27, 2025, the FDA issued a Class I notice, meaning that this broccoli recall poses the highest level of risk owing to the possibility of death.

Texas Health and Human Services identified a listeria outbreak during a random sampling of a Texas shop. The broccoli recall has resulted in no reported illnesses. If you purchased the item, the FDA recommends discarding it immediately.