A recall has been issued for frozen supplemental shakes distributed under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands after they were linked to a deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced by Lyons Magnus LLC, follows reports that these shakes, commonly used in long-term care facilities, have led to 37 hospitalizations and at least 11 deaths across multiple states. The contaminated products were manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. at a facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, before being distributed nationwide to healthcare institutions.
Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. The recalled shakes, which were sold in four-ounce cartons, were never made available for direct retail sale. Instead, they were widely used in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, where many residents already have compromised health.
The affected products include:
· ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake 1733
· ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake 1734
· ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake 1735
· ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA 1736
· ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA 1737
· ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake Plus 1747
· ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake Plus 1749
· ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake Plus 1754
· ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA 1844
· ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA 3633
· Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake 3338
· Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake 3339
· Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake 3340
· Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA 3341 (No information available)
· Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA 3342
· Imperial Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA 3364
· Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA 3699
The recalled products were distributed in 4 oz cartons.
The Health Risks of Listeria Contamination
Consuming food contaminated with Listeria can lead to serious infections, sometimes proving fatal. Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear within two weeks of exposure but can emerge anywhere from the same day to ten weeks later. Early signs include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases progress to neurological symptoms such as confusion, headaches, stiff neck, loss of balance, and even convulsions.
Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as Listeria infections during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems are also highly vulnerable, with an increased likelihood of severe complications, including sepsis, meningitis, or death. Given the frail condition of many nursing home residents, it is no surprise that this outbreak has had devastating consequences in long-term care facilities.
Health officials are urging anyone who may have consumed these shakes to monitor for symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of infection. Because Listeria can survive refrigeration and freezing, contaminated shakes that have not been discarded continue to pose a threat.
Legal Options for Victims and Their Families
Families who have lost loved ones or individuals who have suffered severe illness due to the recalled shakes may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers responsible for ensuring that their food products are safe for consumption. In this case, both Lyons Magnus and Prairie Farms could face legal action for failing to prevent the contamination that led to this outbreak.
Victims of foodborne illnesses can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may pursue claims for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the untimely death of a loved one.
Filing a lawsuit against large corporations can be challenging, as they often have legal teams prepared to defend against claims. An attorney can investigate the source of the contamination, collect medical evidence, and build a strong case to prove that the manufacturer’s negligence led to illness or death. Because food contamination cases require medical and scientific proof, having an attorney is crucial to securing fair compensation.
The Product Liability Lawsuit Process
The first step in filing a lawsuit is determining the source of the illness. Victims must have medical records confirming that they were diagnosed with listeriosis, and these records must link the illness to the contaminated shakes. This often involves food history documentation and laboratory testing that connects the specific Listeria strain in a patient’s system to the outbreak.
Once the case is established, a formal complaint is filed against the responsible companies. The legal process includes gathering evidence, consulting with medical experts, and negotiating with the defendant’s legal team. Many product liability cases settle before trial, but if a settlement is not reached, the case may go to court, where a judge or jury will determine liability and award damages.
Potential Compensation in a Product Liability Case
Victims who file a successful lawsuit may recover damages for medical bills, hospitalization costs, and ongoing treatments related to their illness. Lost wages can also be claimed for those who missed work due to their infection. Pain and suffering damages account for the physical and emotional distress caused by the illness, especially for those who endured severe symptoms or life-threatening complications.
In wrongful death cases, families may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering caused by the loss of their loved one. In some cases, courts may award punitive damages if the manufacturer’s negligence was particularly egregious, serving as a penalty to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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