Health alert in the US: Listeria outbreak linked to frozen milkshakes leaves at least 11 dead

An outbreak of Listeria has affected 21 states of USAwith a balance of At least 11 deceased people and 38 confirmed cases of the disease. Of these, 37 patients required hospitalization. As reported by Food and drug administration of the United States (FDA)the source of infection is linked to Consumption of frozen milkshakes distributed in nursing homes and long -term care centers.

Infobae

The products involved are marketed under brands Lyons Readycare and Imperial Syscowhich have been removed from the market. The FDA and the Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) They continue to investigate the outbreak to determine the total range of pollution and failures in the production chain.

According to CDCthis outbreak is not recent, since The first cases date back to 2018. However, between 2024 and 2025 they have been reported 20 new caseswhich shows that the bacteria is still present in some products.

Archive – This image, taken with an electronic microscope in 2002, provided by the centers for the control and prevention of diseases in the United States, shows a bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. (Elizabeth White/CDC via AP, file)

Symptoms and risks associated with Listeria

Listeriosis is an infection caused by bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes. Their symptoms can vary from minor pictures to serious conditions with mortal consequences. According to the FDA, the most common symptoms include Fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These may appear in an incubation period of up to 10 weeks After the intake of contaminated foods.

In severe cases, infection can derive in Meningitis, septicemia and neurological complications such as neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and seizures. The highest risk groups are pregnant women, newborns, people over 65 years old And those with him weakened immune system. According to the CDCListeriosis during pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortions, premature births or serious infections in the newborn.

Health authorities recommend that anyone who has consumed products related to outbreak and present symptoms immediately go to a doctor.

Listeriosis can cause serious complications in older people, pregnant women and patients with weakened immunological systems. (Infobae Illustrative Image)

Impact on long -term care centers

Contaminated frozen milkshakes were mainly supplied to elderly households and prolonged care centers such as nutritional supplements. These products are designed to strengthen the nutrition of people with special dietary needswhich has generated special concern among health authorities.

The FDA and the CDC have issued alerts so that all The institutions that can still have these products in their inventories immediately eliminate them. Likewise, food suppliers have been asked to strengthen quality and safety controls in the supply chain.

Federal agencies have recommended that the care centers review their food storage and manipulation protocols to avoid future outbreaks. So far, no new cases have been reported after the withdrawal of the products.

FDA and CDC work together to stop the spread of infection and protect public health. (Reuters/Tami Chappell/File Photo)

An outbreak with prolonged background

Although the outbreak has gained notoriety in 2024 and 2025, the records of the health authorities indicate that the bacteria has been present in the products since at least 2018. According to the CDCthis suggests the existence of failures in production or storage processes.

One of the biggest challenges with Listeria Monocytogenes is its ability to survive in extreme conditions, including cooling temperatures. This can persist on food processing equipment and surfaces for long periods.

Food security experts have indicated that The industry must improve hygiene protocols in production and distribution plantssince Listeria can contaminate products in different stages of the supply chain.

FDA and CDC work together to stop the spread of infection and protect public health. (United States Health)/File Photo

Measures and recommendations to prevent Listeriosis

Given the seriousness of the outbreak, the health authorities have issued a series of recommendations to reduce the risk of new cases:

• Avoid the consumption of market retired products: It is advisable to verify labels and get rid of any frozen milkshake of the Lyons Readycare and Sysco Imperial brands.
• Follow good hygiene practices: It is essential to wash your hands well, kitchen utensils and surfaces that have been in contact with high -risk products.
• Proper cooling and cooking: Although Listeria can survive at cold temperatures, cook food at temperatures above 74 ° C (165 ° F) You can eliminate bacteria.
• Surveillance in Risk Groups: Pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic diseases should avoid the consumption of food considered high risk, such as unbalanced sausages, dairy products without pasteurizer and refrigerated foods ready for consumption.

The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the exact source of pollution and have asked the population to report any suspicious symptoms.

Listeria is a bacterium capable of surviving in low temperatures, which makes it difficult to eliminate the production chain. (ARCHIVE)

A reminder about food security

This outbreak of Listeria highlights the importance of security in the food industry and the need for Strict controls in food production and distribution. Although Listeriosis cases are not as frequent as other food transmitted diseases, Its consequences can be serious and, in some cases, fatal.

The withdrawal of contaminated products is a key measure to stop the outbreak, but also raise questions about future prevention mechanisms. The health authorities They have reiterated their commitment to strengthen surveillance in the supply chain and ensure that food available in the market is safe for consumption.

This case serves as a warning for manufacturers, distributors and consumers about the importance of hygiene, supervision and rapid response to possible food -transmitted disease outbreaks.