Food Safety Recall: Listeria Concerns Spark Lyons Magnus LLC Product Recall
- M. DuBose
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
The FDA announced Food Safety recall on ReadyCare Supplement Frozen Shakes.
Lyons Magnus LLC issued a voluntary recall of its Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes in February 2025 due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
This bacterium is particularly dangerous, as it can cause severe infections in vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Tragically, the contamination led to 38 reported illnesses and 11 deaths across 21 states. The shakes were primarily distributed to long-term care facilities, making the outbreak especially devastating for those already at higher risk.
The Recall Details
Detecting the issue was challenging because Listeria monocytogenes can survive and even thrive in refrigerated environments, making it difficult to identify contamination through standard food storage methods. Symptoms of listeriosis can appear anywhere from a few hours to ten weeks after consuming contaminated food, complicating efforts to trace the source of the outbreak. Additionally, the shakes were manufactured by a third-party facility, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., which delayed Lyons Magnus's ability to respond promptly. Once the issue was identified, Lyons Magnus took immediate action to halt distribution, notify customers, and remove affected products from circulation. This recall underscores the importance of stringent food safety measures and rapid response protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The affected products were packaged in 4 oz. cartons under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brand names. Each carton had a lot code and best-by- date printed on the top, making it easier for consumers and distributors to identify the recalled items. The recall was conducted in cooperation with Prairie Farms, Sysco, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that poses significant risks to certain groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis can range from mild, such as fever and diarrhea, to severe, including meningitis and septicemia. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
According to the FDA, there have been 38 reported illnesses linked to this strain of Listeria monocytogenes, including 11 fatalities. This underscores the critical importance of food safety measures and the need for immediate action when contamination is suspected.
Lyons Magnus' Response
Lyons Magnus demonstrated a strong commitment to consumer safety by halting the purchase of all products from the affected Prairie Farms facility and ensuring that impacted products were removed from distribution nationwide. The company also notified customers and provided clear instructions on identifying and quarantining the recalled products.
Broader Implications
This recall highlights the challenges and responsibilities faced by food manufacturers and distributors in ensuring product safety. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of robust quality control measures and the need for transparency in addressing potential health risks.
For consumers, this incident emphasizes the importance of staying informed about food recalls and understanding the risks associated with foodborne illnesses. It also underscores the need for vigilance in identifying and reporting potential health hazards.
What to Do
Consumers who have Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes should take the following steps:
Quarantine the Products: If you have any of the recalled shakes, isolate them to prevent accidental consumption.
Contact Lyons Magnus: Reach out to Lyons Magnus for further instructions or to report possession of the recalled products. You can email them at frozenshakerecall@lyonsmagnus.com.
Dispose Safely: If instructed, dispose of the products in a way that ensures they won't be consumed by others.
Clean and Sanitize: Thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled products to prevent cross-contamination.
Monitor Health: If you or someone in your household has consumed the recalled products and experiences symptoms of listeriosis, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
These steps are crucial to ensure safety and prevent the spread of Listeria monocytogenes.
What Should Manufacturers Do to Prevent Listeria
Manufacturers play a crucial role in preventing Listeria contamination in food products. To minimize risks, they should:
Implement stringent hygiene practices, including regular cleaning and sanitization of equipment, surfaces, and storage areas.
Monitoring and controlling environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, is essential, as Listeria can thrive in refrigerated environments.
Manufacturers should also establish robust testing protocols to detect Listeria in raw materials, finished products, and production facilities.
Additionally, employee training in food safety practices and the importance of preventing cross-contamination is vital.
Using antimicrobial agents and designing facilities to reduce contamination risks, such as eliminating hard-to-clean areas, can further enhance safety measures.
Another effective strategy is to develop a comprehensive Listeria management plan that includes risk assessments, corrective actions, and continuous improvement processes. Manufacturers should collaborate with suppliers to ensure the quality and safety of raw materials and packaging. By adopting these proactive measures, manufacturers can significantly reduce the likelihood of Listeria outbreaks and protect public health.
Recalled Products
Item # | Product Name | BB (Best By) | |
1 | 1733 | ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake | 022125 To 022126 |
2 | 1734 | ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake | 022125 To 022126 |
3 | 1735 | ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake | 022125 To 022126 |
4 | 1736 | ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
5 | 1737 | ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
6 | 1747 | ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake Plus | 022125 To 022126 |
7 | 1749 | ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake Plus | 022125 To 022126 |
8 | 1754 | ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake Plus | 022125 To 022126 |
9 | 1844 | ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
10 | 3633 | ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
11 | 3338 | Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake | 022125 To 022126 |
12 | 3339 | Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake | 022125 To 022126 |
13 | 3340 | Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake | 022125 To 022126 |
14 | 3341 | Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
15 | 3342 | Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
16 | 3364 | Imperial Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
17 | 3699 | Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA | 022125 To 022126 |
The Lyons Magnus LLC recall of ReadyCare frozen supplemental shakes is a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks involved in food production and distribution. While the company's swift action and cooperation with regulatory authorities are commendable, the incident also highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in food safety practices.
For more information or questions about the recall, consumers can visit the Lyons Magnus website, phone: 212-355-4449 or email: frozenshakerecall@lyonsmagnus.com
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