Sysco Recalls Products Amid Listeria Outbreak from Indiana Facility
Fort Wayne, Saturday, 22 February 2025.
Sysco stops procurement and recalls products from its Fort Wayne facility due to a listeria outbreak, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to food safety.
Critical Health Alert and Immediate Action
Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY), the world’s leading foodservice distribution company [1], has taken immediate action on February 21, 2025, by recalling frozen supplemental shakes and halting all purchases from its Fort Wayne, Indiana facility following a connection to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak [1][2]. This outbreak has had severe consequences, affecting 38 individuals across 21 states and resulting in 11 deaths since its initial detection in 2018 [3].
Scope and Impact
The recall specifically involves Sysco Imperial and Lyons ReadyCare supplemental shakes [1], with the outbreak particularly affecting long-term care facilities [3]. Sysco, which generated sales exceeding $78 billion in fiscal year 2024 [1], operates an extensive network of 340 distribution centers across more than 10 countries [2]. The company’s swift response includes removing all recalled items from inventory and notifying downstream customers [2].
Food Safety Protocols and Response
Sysco’s response demonstrates its robust food safety protocols, which include an industry-leading food safety and quality assurance program requiring annual third-party certification for suppliers [2]. The company maintains strict oversight of its food safety programs, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) systems and comprehensive recall procedures [4]. ‘Food safety is and will continue to be our top priority,’ stated Sysco representatives [1].
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
The FDA and CDC are actively investigating this outbreak [3], with further investigation results expected by March 1, 2025 [2]. Sysco has expressed its ‘most sincere condolences with those affected by this outbreak and their families’ [1]. The company continues to work closely with health authorities to address the situation [1], emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety across its extensive distribution network.