A nationwide recall has been issued for frozen supplement shakes following a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and deaths. The affected products were distributed to nursing homes, hospitals, and long term care facilities, raising serious concerns about food safety for vulnerable populations.
The FDA and CDC are currently investigating the outbreak, which has been linked to a specific brand of frozen nutrition shakes. These shakes are often used to support patients who need extra calories and protein, making the recall particularly alarming for healthcare providers and caregivers.
What You Need to Know About the Recall
The recalled shakes were distributed to long term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, where they are commonly used for residents at risk of malnutrition. The FDA warns that anyone who has these products should stop using them immediately and follow disposal instructions to prevent further illness.
Listeria is a serious foodborne pathogen that can cause severe illness, particularly in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and severe gastrointestinal issues. In the most severe cases, listeria infection can lead to sepsis, meningitis, or even death.
Why This Recall Is Especially Dangerous for Older Adults
Residents in nursing homes and long term care facilities are already at higher risk for weakened immune systems, difficulty fighting infections, and nutritional deficiencies. A contaminated nutrition supplement meant to support health and recovery can do the exact opposite—causing severe illness, hospitalization, or worse.
Listeria bacteria can survive and even grow in cold temperatures, meaning frozen foods aren’t necessarily safe from contamination. This makes it critically important for healthcare providers to carefully review their supplement supplies and remove any recalled products immediately.
If your facility has not checked through their supplement supply, this needs to be done immediately.
What Facilities, Caregivers, and Dietitians Should Do
- Check inventory – If you work in a healthcare or long term care setting, review all supplemental shakes and compare them to the recall list.
- Dispose of recalled products – Do not consume or serve them. Follow FDA disposal recommendations. Contact your sales representative as well to discuss the issue and talk about replacements.
- Monitor for symptoms – If any residents or patients have consumed these shakes and show signs of illness, seek medical attention immediately.
- Review food safety protocols – Ensure all staff are trained on safe food handling, storage, and cross-contamination prevention. Also ensure your facility has a policy regarding checking recalls frequently and receiving them from all your suppliers.
How to Reduce the Risk of Foodborne Illness in Long Term Care
This recall highlights the critical need for strong food safety measures in healthcare settings. Facilities should follow these FDA recommended guidelines to reduce the risk of contamination:
- Keep high-risk foods separate – Prevent cross-contamination by storing and preparing high-risk foods separately from ready-to-eat items.
- Maintain proper storage temperatures – Listeria can grow in cold environments, so proper refrigeration and freezing methods are essential.
- Strict sanitation practices – Regularly clean and sanitize all surfaces, equipment, and storage areas to reduce bacteria spread.
- Choose trusted suppliers – Work with reputable vendors that follow strict safety protocols and have a history of quality assurance.
The Bottom Line
This Listeria outbreak and recall is a serious concern for nursing homes, hospitals, and caregivers who rely on supplemental shakes for patient nutrition. Checking inventory, disposing of affected products, and being aware of symptoms are essential steps to protect vulnerable individuals from a dangerous foodborne illness.
For a full list of recalled products and FDA recommendations, visit the official recall page here: FDA Outbreak.
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Michelle Saari is a Registered Dietitian based in Canada. She has a Master's Degree in Human Nutritional Sciences and is a passionate advocate for spreading easy to understand, reliable, and trustworthy nutrition information. She is currently a full time online entrepreneur with two nutrition focused websites.
