Milkshakes were recalled from nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities after a deadly Listeria outbreak killed 14 people between 2018 and 2025.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Milkshake Listeria cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Listeria from a milkshake such as Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: 14 Deaths Linked to Frozen Nutritional Shakes
On May 16, 2025, the CDC issued an Outbreak Update to report a total of 14 deaths linked to frozen nutritional shakes that were defrosted into a soft milkshake, and then given to older people in nursing homes or hospitals.
Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Milkshakes at Nursing Homes, Hospitals
In February 2025, nutritional milkshakes that were sold to hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities were linked to a Listeria outbreak, with 14 deaths and 42 illnesses reported nationwide between August 2018 and March 2025. This outbreak has been particularly severe, with at least 41 people hospitalized due to a life-threatening infection.
What Milkshakes Were Recalled?
The recall involves milkshake that were manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and shipped to hospitals and nursing homes nationwide:
Why Were These Milkshakes Used in Hospitals?
Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Milkshakes were not sold in stores. Instead, the milkshakes were sold frozen, and then defrosted by nurses and caregivers until they are a soft, thick liquid consistency.
The milkshakes were then given to older people in hospitals and nursing homes — usually patients on “soft diets” due to trouble swallowing, or patients who needed extra nutrition to prevent unintended weight-loss.
These shakes were also called “nutritional shakes” or “supplemental nutrition” because they were high in calories, protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Why Was This Outbreak So Severe?
Listeria infections are more likely to cause serious complications in older adults (over 65 years old), pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. Unfortunately, many people in this outbreak had multiple risk-factors for a severe Listeria illness, such as older age, hospitalization, illnesses, or underlying health problems.
Milkshake & Ice Cream Recalls for Listeria
Milkshakes and ice cream have been repeated sources of Listeria. For example, a deadly outbreak was linked to Frugals milkshakes in Tacoma, Washington in August 2023.
Here are a few examples of ice cream recalls for Listeria:
- Blue Bell Creameries
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (April 23, 2015)
- Totally Cool Ice Cream
- Ice Cream House
- Big Olaf Creamery
- Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
- And more
What is the Problem?
The problem is that Listeria is a very hardy germ, especially in frozen food manufacturing facilities. Listeria can survive on frozen ice cream or milkshakes, grow at refrigeration temperatures, and survive on surfaces and manufacturing equipment for long periods of time.
Why Is Listeria So Hard to Control?
Listeria can be especially challenging to control in dairy processing facilities, because it thrives in cool and damp environments (even as low as 31ºF). It can also survive for extended periods in dry areas too.
How Does Listeria Survive Sanitizers?
Listeria bacteria can create protective biofilms that shield the bacteria against sanitizers, antibiotics, and other cleaning methods. This makes it even more difficult for manufacturers to sanitize their equipment.
Where Does Listeria Hide?
Any type of food-processing equipment can become a source of contamination. Listeria is especially common in cool, high-moisture areas like drains, but also hard-to-clean nooks and crannies on equipment, walls, floors, dust, niche environments, and it can even spread in the air.
Do I Have a Milkshake Listeria Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Milkshake Listeria cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Listeria from a milkshake such as Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial Nutritional Shakes, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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