Large and at times Deadly Botulism, Listeria and Salmonella Outbreaks that will keep me busy in 2026

ByHeath Botulism Infant Formula – 51 Sick and Hospitalized

As of December 17, 2025, this outbreak includes 51 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism from 19 states. Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. Illnesses started on dates ranging from December 24, 2023, through December 1, 2025.

All 51 infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®. No deaths have been reported. The infants range in age from 16 to 264 days and 22 (43%) are female. ByHeart’s and FDA’s investigations into the root cause of the outbreak are ongoing, and at this time, FDA cannot rule out the possibility that contamination might have affected all ByHeart formula products. In response, CDC broadened the case definition for the outbreak investigation to include any infant with botulism who was exposed to ByHeart formula at any time since the product’s release in March 2022.

Nate’s Fine Foods Listeria Pasta Meals – 27 Sick, 25 Hospitalized and 6 Deaths

A total of 27 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 18 states. Sick people’s samples were collected on dates ranging from August 1, 2024, to October 16, 2025. Of 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized and 6 deaths have been reported. One death from each of the following states: Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss.

Ill people purchased these products from the refrigerated section at Walmart and Kroger. Two people also reported deli salads, that contained pasta, from other stores. Public health investigators continue to gather information on what ill people ate before getting sick to determine if additional products are linked to the outbreak.

Prairie Farms Listeria Supplemental Shakes – 42 Sick, 41 Hospitalized and 14 Deaths

A total of 42 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes were reported from 21 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 17, 2018, to March 13, 2025. Of 42 people with information available, 41 were hospitalized. A total of 14 deaths were reported from 9 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Most people in this outbreak reported living in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized prior to becoming sick. 

FDA traced food records from long-term care facilities. These records showed that supplement shakes made by Prairie Farms were a common food served at the long-term facilities. On February 4, 2025, FDA conducted an onsite inspection and collected environmental samples at Prairie Farms for testing. On February 19, 2025, WGS showed that the Listeria in the environment were closely related to the bacteria from sick people.

Bedner Salmonella Cucumbers – 69 Sick and 22 Hospitalized

As of June 30, 2025, a total of 69 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella were reported from 21 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from April 2, 2025, to May 29, 2025. Of the 60 people with information available, 22 were hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

People reported buying and eating cucumbers from a variety of locations including grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, and on cruise ships. FDA’s traceback investigation identified Bedner Growers Inc. as the common grower of cucumbers in this outbreak. The outbreak strain was identified by FDA in cucumber samples collected from a distribution center in Pennsylvania. Another Salmonella strain was identified from the samples taken at the distribution center linked to some illnesses from a 2024 outbreak

August Egg Salmonella Eggs – 134 Sick, 38 Hospitalized and 1 Death

A total of 134 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella were reported from 10 states. Six sick people reported traveling to California or Nevada in the week before they got sick. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 24, 2025, to June 6, 2025. Of the 112 people with information available, 38 were hospitalized. One death was reported from California.

People reported buying many different brands of eggs from multiple stores. FDA conducted a traceback investigation based on where the ill people reported shopping or eating during the timeframe of interest. August Egg Company was identified as a common supplier of eggs. Ill people in Kentucky, New Jersey, and Washington reported traveling to California and Nevada before they got sick.

See ya in 2026.

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.

Source: https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/large-and-at-times-deadly-botulism-listeria-and-salmonella-outbreaks-that-will-keep-me-busy-in-2026/