Cronobacter Sakazakii Contamination Results in Recall for Glucerna and Dozens of Other Protein Shakes, Nutritional Supplements, Beverages

Cronobacter contamination could lead to serious or even fatal infections

A recall has been issued for Glucerna products, Premier Protein shakes, and dozens of other nutritional supplements and beverages manufactured by Lyons Magnus, due to a risk that they may be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, which may cause serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infections.

The FDA announced the supplements recall on July 29, warning that over 50 brand name nutritional products failed to meet commercial sterility specifications and may be contaminated.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a rare type of bacteria, often found in dry foods such as infant formula, skimmed milk powder, tea and starches. The bacteria exists in the environment and can survive in very dry conditions, making transmission of the infection possible by touching contaminated surfaces.

The infections can be particularly deadly for infants and the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn the bacteria may cause serious infections or urinary tract infections and poses a heightened mortality risk to those with conditions, such as HIV, organ transplants, or cancer.

Contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii recently caused a massive infant formula recall impacting Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products manufactured by Abbott Laboratories at the same Michigan manufacturing plant, which have been linked to hundreds of reported illnesses among babies nationwide in recent months.

Lyons Magnus LLC is recalling 53 different nutritional and beverage products due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from the organism Cronobacter sakazakii. The recall notice indicates that while no injuries or illnesses have been reported, the products do not meet the commercial sterility specifications, which puts them at risk of being contaminated with harmful bacteria.

The recall impacts protein shakes, cold brew coffee, honey flavored dairy drinks, plant-based protein shakes and a variety of other products that were packed in various formats and sold under 12 different brand names, including Premier Protein, Imperial, MRE, Aloha, Lyons Ready Care, Lyons Barista Style, Pirq, Glucerna, Intelligentsia, Kate Farms, Oatly and Stumptown.

Customers are being instructed to stop consuming the products immediately and to properly discard them or return the products to the place of purchase for a refund. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are encouraged to contact Lyons Recall Support Center 24/7 at 1-800-627-0557.

Cronobacter Baby Formula Recall

Earlier this year, Abbott Laboratories issued a Similac, Alimentum and Elecare baby formula recall for certain products made at the company’s manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The recall was issued after Abbott learned about the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii after only consuming Similac PM 60/40 powdered formula.

Following the recall, the The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an infant formula warning after Abbott publicly disclosed knowledge of five illnesses, including two deaths after babies consumed infant formula manufactured at the Michigan facility.

Just two weeks after the recall, FDA investigators revealed Abbott was aware of illnesses linked to the infant formula several months prior to issuing a recall, raising serious questions about why the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare recall was not announced until February 17, 2022.

As a result of the findings, Abbott Laboratories faces a growing number of contaminated Similac formula recall lawsuits filed by families whose children have become ill with Cronobacter sakazakii infections that have resulted in hospitalizations, development of meningitis and other serious injuries or death.