The food and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus LLC issued a voluntary recall of 53 nutritional and beverage products following a potential microbacterial contamination. The company speculates that the contamination may stem from Cronobacter sakazakii, a germ usually found in dry or powdered foods. This bacteria made headlines back in February when infant formula manufacturer Abbott Nutrition recalled numerous powdered infant formulas after infant deaths and injuries linked to Cronobacter sakazakii.
Lyons Magnus Pulls Milk and Protein Shake Products
On July 28, 2022, Lyons Magnus LLC announced its recall of 53 nutritional beverages, including alternative milk, coffee products, and protein shakes. The extensive recall spans twelve different brands and came after concerns over Cronobacter sakazakii, the same bacteria at the forefront of Abbott Nutrition’s infant formula recall. However, Lyons Magnus stated that none of the affected products are for infants under one year of age. The FDA elaborated that the products in question did not meet commercial sterility specifications. Lyons Magnus distributed the recalled products nationwide, and many of the brands are featured prominently in stores. Popular brands like Oatly, Stumptown, Premier Protein shakes, and Aloha were among those recalled. The company advised consumers in possession of these recalled products to dispose of them immediately or to return the products at the store of purchase for a refund. You can find a full list of the recalled products here.
Cronobacter Health Risks
To date, the FDA has not received any reports of illnesses linked to the recalled product. According to the FDA, although infection is rare, Cronobacter illnesses may cause common symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and urinary tract infections in adults. However, Cronobacter infections are more severe amongst immunocompromised individuals and people 65 years and over. In these vulnerable populations, Cronobacter can enter the bloodstream and potentially lead to septicemia, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, wound infections, and splenic abscesses. For infants, Cronobacter proves deadly and may cause serious conditions like meningitis and sepsis, but the company assured the public the recalled products do not pertain to infants.
Recently, a South Carolina law firm filed a class-action lawsuit against Lyons Magnus regarding the recalled products. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to ensure the quality of its products. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims Lyons Magnus knew or should have known that its products contained hazardous bacteria or did not adequately test the products for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii.