Listeria reported in shakes used in Florida nursing homes, leading to hospitalizations and deaths
Frozen supplemental shakes sold to hospitals and long-term care facilities in 21 states, including Florida, are making people sick and already have led to 12 deaths.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration published an urgent warning instructing consumers to discard Prairie Farms Dairy's meal replacement shakes under the brands Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial. The shakes are believed to be contaminated with Listeria.
So far, 38 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported. Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 37 people have been hospitalized, and 12 have died. It is unclear at this time if any of those who were hospitalized or died lived in Florida. Of the 38 people, most resided in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized prior to becoming sick.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted an onsite inspection of the Prarie Farms plant in Fort Wayne, Ind., and collected environmental and product samples. Three environmental swabs collected from the processing area tested positive for a strain of Listeria related to the one causing illnesses in this outbreak.
The FDA says symptoms of Listeria usually start within two weeks after eating contaminated food but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. With the more serious form of Listeria, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Consumers with questions may visit the Lyons Magnus website at lyonsmagnus.com.
South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.
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Updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) Recommend Use of FES PET Imaging for Lobular Breast Cancer
NCCN Guidelines® recommend FES PET for systemic staging in certain patients with invasive lobular cancer (ILC), which could facilitate greater diagnostic accuracy, earlier interventions, better clinical decision-making and broader insurance coverage for breast cancer patients. GE HealthCare's Cerianna (fluoroestradiol F18) injection is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved imaging agent to help clinicians assess estrogen receptor positive (ER+) lesion status in recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) today announced that the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for clinicians now recommend considering fluoroestradiol (FES) positron emission tomography (PET) for systemic staging in patients with recurrent or metastatic lobular breast cancer. GE HealthCare's Cerianna™ (fluoroestradiol F18) injection, available in the United States, is the only FDA-approved imaging agent for the detection of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer metastases, including lobular breast cancer. The updated NCCN Guidelines® expand the recommendation for the use of FES PET imaging in ER+ disease. In 2023, FES PET was included in the NCCN Guidelines for systemic staging of recurrent/stage IV ER+ breast cancer. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 95% of invasive lobular cancer (ILC) tumors are ER+.i ILC is the second most common type of breast cancer in the U.S., accounting for 10-15% of all breast cancers and an estimated 43,000 new cases each iii iv Lobular tumors typically do not form lumps which makes the cancer harder to detect with self-exams, mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ILC can also recur more than a decadev after initial diagnosis and metastasize to unusual places such as the bones, brain, liver, lungs, gynecological organs, and Once recurrent or metastatic lobular breast cancer is suspected, the new guidelines recommend considering FES PET imaging of the whole body to assess whether ER+ lobular tumors are present. "Lobular cancers are often missed during routine screening, which can result in larger, more advanced tumors when they are finally detected and diagnosed," said Jit Saini, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (PDx) division of GE HealthCare. "This NCCN Guidelines update is significant because it will give more oncologists the confidence to use Cerianna PET imaging for patients with lobular breast cancer. It may also facilitate broader insurance coverage so more patients with this common, but hard-to-detect cancer will have an opportunity to receive a comprehensive diagnosis that accelerates clinical decisions and early intervention." Cerianna is a molecular imaging agent indicated for use with PET imaging for the detection of ER+ lesions as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with known or suspected recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. Cerianna works by binding to functional ER lesions and then the whole body is imaged by PET scan to help doctors assess and treat lobular breast cancer appropriately. With its diffuse growth patterns, detection and biopsy of ILC can be more difficult. Cerianna provides an alternative method to assess ER status across the whole body. The recommendation that FES PET may be appropriate in lobular histology was established by an expert working group convened by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and included breast care specialists from the SNMMI, Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance, American College of Nuclear Medicine and Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine. The SNMMI is a nonprofit organization that promotes the science, technology and practical application of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of 33 leading U.S. cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. The NCCN Guidelines are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer care and the most thorough and frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. GE HealthCare's Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment is a global leader in imaging agents used to support around 130 million procedures per year globally, equivalent to four patient procedures every second. Its Molecular Imaging portfolio combines established proprietary products across cardiology, neurology and oncology, with an innovative pipeline, all aimed at enabling better informed diagnosis and monitoring for improved therapy decision making and clinical outcomes. Learn more about Cerianna here: About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GE HealthCare is a trusted partner and leading global healthcare solutions provider, innovating medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled solutions, services and data analytics. We aim to make hospitals and health systems more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient's journey across care pathways. Together, our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from screening and diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. We are a $19.7 billion business with approximately 53,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits. GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2025 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and Insights for the latest news, or visit our website for more information. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. 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The uptake of fluoroestradiol F 18 is not specific for breast cancer and may occur in a variety of ER-positive tumors that arise outside of the breast, including from the uterus and ovaries. Do not use CERIANNA in lieu of biopsy when biopsy is indicated in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. False Negative CERIANNA Scan A negative CERIANNA scan does not rule out ER-positive breast cancer. Pathology or clinical characteristics that suggest a patient may benefit from systemic hormone therapy should take precedence over a discordant negative CERIANNA scan. Radiation Risks Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including CERIANNA, expose patients to radiation. Radiation exposure is associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe drug handling and patient preparation procedures (including adequate hydration and voiding) to protect patients and health care providers from unintentional radiation exposure. 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All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of fluoroestradiol F 18 in human milk, or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Lactation studies have not been conducted in animals. Advise a lactating woman to avoid breastfeeding for 4 hours after CERIANNA administration in order to minimize radiation exposure to a breastfed infant. Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of CERIANNA in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use Clinical studies of fluoroestradiol F 18 injection did not reveal any difference in pharmacokinetics or biodistribution in patients aged 65 and over. DRUG INTERACTIONS Systemic Endocrine Therapies that Bind to ER Drugs that bind to the ER, including SERMs and SERDs, may compete with the binding of fluoroestradiol F18 and may reduce detection of ER-positive lesions with CERIANNA. Before administration of CERIANNA, discontinue drugs that bind to the ER, such as SERMs and SERDs, for at least 5 biological half-lives: (e.g. elacestrant for 11 days, tamoxifen for 8 weeks and fulvestrant for 28 weeks). Prior to Cerianna administration, please read the full Prescribing Information and additional Important Safety Information here. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GE HealthCare at 800 654 0118 (option 2 then option 1) or by email at or FDA at 800 FDA 1088 or ______________________________ i Rubio M, et al. Invasive lobular carcinoma: symptoms, treatment, research. Breast Cancer Res. 2025 May 20. Available from: ii McCart Reed AE, et al. Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast: the increasing importance of this special subtype. Breast Cancer Res. 2021 Jan 7;23(1):6. PMID: 33413533 iii Ciriello G, et al. Comprehensive Molecular Portraits of Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer. Cell. 2015 Oct 8;163(2):506-19. PMID: 26451490 iv 2021 Projected Incidence from ACS Surveillance Research (Source: SEER data) v Pestalozzi BC, et al. International Breast Cancer Study Group. Distinct clinical and prognostic features of infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast: combined results of 15 International Breast Cancer Study Group clinical trials. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Jun 20;26(18):3006-14. PMID: 18458044 vi Franzoi MA, et al. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in patients with breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2019 Mar;135:85-94. PMID: 30819451 vii Blohmer M, et al. Patient treatment and outcome after breast cancer orbital and periorbital metastases: a comprehensive case series including analysis of lobular versus ductal tumor histology. Breast Cancer Res. 2020 Jun 26;22(1):70. 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County Department of Public Health said in a statement. Read more: A pediatrician's dilemma: Should a practice kick out unvaccinated kids? As a result, the vaccines may be less accessible to healthier people who still want them — perhaps because they live or work with elderly or other higher-risk people, they've had severe COVID illness before, or they want to protect themselves against the latest subvariant, the agency said. If the FDA withholds a license for an updated COVID vaccination for younger, healthier adults, this group "would not be able to receive it unless their provider chooses to give it 'off label,'" the county said. When asked whether healthy pregnant women and healthy children can still get vaccinated at its pharmacies, Walgreens said its teams operate "in full compliance with applicable laws." CVS said its locations "follow federal guidance regarding vaccine administration and are monitoring any changes that the government may make regarding vaccine eligibility." Kaiser Permanente Southern California said it was aware of potential changes, but noted no new formal guidance has yet been issued. As a result, Kaiser is continuing to follow existing guidance, which recommends the shots for everyone. The L.A. County Department of Public Health said that as of Wednesday, "pregnant women and healthy children can get vaccinated for COVID-19," according to existing recommendations from an advisory panel and the CDC. Read more: RFK Jr. kept asking to see the science that vaccines were safe. After he saw it, he dismissed it Chin-Hong noted there were 150 pediatric deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19 in a recent one-year period. That's in the same ballpark as the 231 pediatric flu deaths recorded this season, and federal health officials recommend everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. "Most people would agree that kids should be targeted for flu vaccines. It seems kind of weird to have COVID as an outlier in that respect," Chin-Hong said. In the video published this week, Makary said that "most countries in the world have stopped recommending the vaccine for children." Maldonado, however, said the U.S. doesn't use other nations' standards to dictate vaccine recommendations. The U.S., for instance, recommends other types of vaccines that have a lower prevalence than COVID that people want to get, Maldonado said, such as the meningococcal vaccine for children to guard against a serious bacterial disease that can infect the brain and spinal cord and cause death within hours. The effect of a recommendation also varies by country. Canada, for instance, recommends updated COVID vaccines for seniors and other people who meet certain criteria, such as if they're pregnant or are a healthcare worker. But the country's universal healthcare system still allows everyone ages 6 months and older to get an updated COVID vaccine. Although it's true that children overall are at lower risk of developing severe COVID illness, those under 6 months of age "have the same risk of complications as the 65-year-old-plus population in this country," said Stanford's Maldonado, who also serves on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Read more: Trump's first term brought world-changing vaccine. His second could bring retreat Among children eligible for vaccination, COVID-associated hospitalization rates are highest for those ages 6 months to 4 years, according to the CDC. "So are children going to be the highest risk group? No, they're not. But would you want to protect your child from a disease that could potentially put them in the hospital and get them on a ventilator? Yes, I would say that I would want to make that choice for myself. And why not allow the parent to make that choice?" Maldonado said. The CDC says COVID vaccination during pregnancy builds antibodies that can help protect the baby; studies have also shown that vaccinated moms who breastfeed have protective antibodies in their milk, which could help protect their babies. There have been an estimated 260,000 to 430,000 hospitalizations attributed to COVID since October, causing "an enormous burden on the healthcare system," Dr. Fiona Havers, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC, said at a recent public meeting. There have also been an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 COVID-19 deaths over the same time period. "It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults, but it does affect other people, particularly those with underlying conditions, in younger age groups." COVID is also a major cause of pediatric hospitalizations, even among otherwise healthy children, she said. "If there's a summer wave this year, we'll be seeing it in children being hospitalized with COVID as well," she said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
