A recent listeria outbreak tied to recalled nutritional shakes has raised serious concerns in nursing homes, with multiple deaths and hospitalizations reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the situation.
The recalled nutritional shakes are often given to nursing home residents with poor appetite, chronic illness, or those recovering from surgery.
These shakes, contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, have been associated with fatalities in nursing homes. As the investigation continues, it’s crucial for families to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their loved ones.
Residents of care facilities are vulnerable and depend on others to keep them safe, yet they are often overlooked, mistreated, or suffer nursing home neglect and abuse across the country.
Learn more about the risks these recalled shakes pose to nursing home residents.
Key Details: 2025 Nutritional Shake Listeria Outbreak
- Affected brands: Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial
- Recall date: February 22, 2025
- Reported cases: 38
- Hospitalizations: 37
- Listeria deaths: 12
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Where Was the Listeria Outbreak in Nursing Homes?
Health officials are investigating the listeria outbreak that has affected nursing homes across 21 states, resulting in 12 deaths.
This outbreak has been ongoing, with cases dating back to 2018. Many of those affected lived in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized before becoming ill. The products were recalled on February 22, 2025, after the contamination was found.
The shakes were mainly used in nursing homes to help residents with malnutrition or those recovering from illness or surgery.
Listeria can cause serious infections, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
If your loved one is in a nursing home, it’s important to check whether these specific shakes were used at their facility. With vulnerable residents at risk, families should act quickly to ensure safety.
Who Is Affected by This Listeria Outbreak?
Nursing home residents who are fed nutritional shakes are at higher risk of being affected by this listeria outbreak. These shakes are often given to residents who have difficulty maintaining proper nutrition.
The following situations make nursing home residents particularly vulnerable:
- Chronic illnesses: Residents with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer may have weakened immune systems, increasing infection risk.
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease: Memory care residents may struggle to communicate or remember to eat, relying on nutritional shakes for their diet.
- Poor appetite or malnutrition: Many nursing home residents consume nutritional shakes to meet their daily caloric and nutritional needs.
- Recovering from surgery or illness: After surgery or prolonged illness, residents may need additional nutrition to aid recovery.
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia): Residents with trouble swallowing may rely on liquid or thickened foods, including nutritional shakes.
- Weight loss: Significant weight loss is common in nursing home residents. Nutritional shakes help provide essential calories and nutrients.
Families need to be aware of the risks facing these vulnerable groups and take steps to protect their loved ones from harmful products.
How Do You Die from Listeria?
Listeria infection can be fatal, particularly for those with compromised immune systems, like elderly nursing home residents.
The bacteria can lead to meningitis, sepsis (blood infection), and other severe infections. When left untreated, these infections can lead to life-threatening complications and, in some cases, death.
Elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions, like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease, are at the highest risk of developing severe listeria infections. In nursing homes, where many residents have weakened immune systems or other health challenges, the risks are especially high.
It’s important for families to understand the dangers of listeria, as recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly can make all the difference.
What Are the Symptoms for Listeria?
Listeria infection can be difficult to detect, especially in elderly residents who may show milder symptoms. However, the infection can escalate quickly, leading to severe complications.
Common listeria symptoms in elderly individuals include:
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of balance
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Stiff neck
- Tiredness
While these symptoms may start off mild, they can worsen, leading to more serious complications like meningitis or sepsis.
Families should be especially vigilant and watch for any changes in their loved one’s behavior or health.
Early detection is crucial, so seek medical attention right away if any symptoms of listeria are present.
Why Nursing Home Residents Are So Vulnerable
Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses like listeria due to several factors. Many residents are frail and have weakened immune systems, which makes it harder for their bodies to fight off infections.
Age, chronic illnesses, and ongoing medical treatments can further compromise the ability to recover from infections.
Because of these challenges, nursing home residents are at a higher risk of serious complications from foodborne illnesses like gastroenteritis.
Listeria can quickly spread through the body and cause life-threatening conditions.
Family members and loved ones play a critical role in ensuring nursing home residents receive the care and protection they need. Advocating for proper food safety practices and being vigilant about potential symptoms of illness can help protect residents.
Families are often the first line of defense in making sure their loved ones receive the appropriate care and attention, particularly when they are most vulnerable to infections like listeria.
Fighting for the Safety of Nursing Home Residents
At the Nursing Home Abuse Center, we are deeply committed to reporting on the risks that affect nursing home residents and working to protect them from harm.
The safety of residents should always be a top priority, and we believe in holding facilities accountable for their actions.
If your loved one has been harmed due to nursing home abuse or neglect, we are here to help. We understand the challenges families face and offer support in navigating these difficult situations.
Call us at (855) 264-6310 to discuss your options. Let us help you ensure that your loved one receives the care and justice they deserve.
