Tag Archives: Sysco

Lyons Magnus Recalls Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes Manufactured by Third Party Because of Listeria Contamination

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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Lyons Magnus LLC announced in a press release on February 22, that it is voluntarily recalling 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Lyons Magnus is taking this action in response to a recall of the products by their manufacturer, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. (“Prairie Farms”) from the Prairie Farms facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

According the the press release, Lyons Magnus handled distribution of the recalled products, which were manufactured and supplied to Lyons Magnus by Prairie Farms. The recalled products were distributed primarily to long-term care facilities and were not available for retail sale. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with Prairie Farms, Sysco, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

On November 25, 2024, FDA reported it was was notified about an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in the United States, with many ill people residing in long-term care facilities (LTCF) prior to illness onset. FDA’s traceback investigation identified that each of the LTCF who supplied invoice information for review from 2024 to present received a frozen supplemental shake of either Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Imperial brand. As part of this investigation, FDA collected environmental samples and found the outbreak strain of Listeria.

According to CDC, this outbreak includes cases dating back to 2018, with 20 cases across 2024 and 2025, and is currently ongoing. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations were unable to identify a source of the outbreak. As of February 21, 2025, a total of 38 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 21 states. Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 37 people have been hospitalized. Eleven deaths have been reported. Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 34 (89%) reported living in long term care facilities or were hospitalized prior to becoming sick. Records reviewed from facilities indicated nutritional shakes were available to residents.

Lyons Magnus claims, as soon as it learned of the issue, it took immediate action to halt the purchase of all products from the affected Prairie Farms facility, notify customers, and ensure that impacted products were removed from distribution nationally.

 

Joe Pezzini

Taylor Farms Exec Named Chair of CPS Board

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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Joe Pezzini

Joe Pezzini, senior director of agricultural operations for Taylor Farms, has been elected chair of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Board of Directors. The CPS is a charitable organization focused on providing the produce industry and government with access to information needed to enhance the safety of fresh produce.

Pezzini said that his first priority as CPS board chair will be to guide the board’s update of the center’s strategic plan. “In 15 short years, the CPS has grown into an extraordinary melting pot of industry, research, regulatory and public health leaders who are doing much more together to advance fresh produce food safety than we ever could alone,” he said. “Our goal for the next five years will be to continue that positive trajectory. That means making sure that CPS can continue to innovate in how we fund science, find solutions and fuel change in produce safety. The food we grow and sell to consumers is the same food we take home to our families. Our work doesn’t get more personal than that.”

The CPS reported that, in addition to electing Pezzini, six board members agreed to serve additional three-year terms. They include:

  • Jim Brennan, president, SmartWash Solutions;
  • Mike Joyner, president, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association;
  • Dave Murray, partner, Andrew & Williamson/Good Farms;
  • Mark Mignogna, vice president, quality assurance, Sysco;
  • Victor Smith, CEO, J.V. Smith Farms; and
  • Craig Wilson, vice president, QA and food safety, Costco Wholesale.

Amy Gates, vice president of Seald Sweet/Greenyard USA, joined the board as a first-time member.