Publisher’s Platform: 2025 Outbreaks we will follow in 2026
ByHeath Botulism Infant Formula – 51 sick and hospitalized
As of December 17, 2025, this outbreak included 51 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism in 19 states. Laboratory confirmation of some cases is underway. The illnesses began on dates ranging from December 24, 2023 to December 1, 2025.
All 51 infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®. No deaths have been reported. The infants ranged in age from 16 to 264 days and 22 (43%) were girls. ByHeart and FDA investigations into the root cause of the outbreak are ongoing, and at this time, FDA cannot rule out the possibility that contamination may have affected all ByHeart formula products. In response, the CDC expanded 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 Meal – 27 ill, 25 hospitalized and 6 deaths
A total of 27 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported in 18 states. The patient samples were collected between August 1, 2024 and October 16, 2025. Of 26 people for whom information is available, 25 were hospitalized and 6 deaths were reported. One death in each of the following states: Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Utah. An illness associated with pregnancy resulted in fetal loss.
Sick people were buying these products in the refrigerated section of Walmart and Kroger. Two people also reported deli salads containing pasta from other stores. Public health investigators continue to collect information on what sick people ate before they got sick to determine if other products are linked to the outbreak.
Additional Prairie Farms Listeria Shakes – 42 sickened, 41 hospitalized and 14 deaths
A total of 42 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported in 21 states. The illnesses began between August 17, 2018 and March 13, 2025. Of 42 people with information, 41 were hospitalized. A total of 14 deaths have been reported in 9 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. Most people involved in this outbreak reported living in long-term care facilities or being hospitalized before becoming ill.
The FDA traced food records from long-term care facilities. Those records showed that supplement shakes made by Prairie Farms were a common food served in long-term care facilities. On February 4, 2025, the FDA conducted an on-site inspection and collected environmental samples at Prairie Farms for analysis. On February 19, 2025, WGS showed that Listeria in the environment was closely related to bacteria from sick people.
Cucumbers Bedner Salmonella – 69 sick and 22 hospitalized
As of June 30, 2025, a total of 69 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported in 21 states. The illnesses began between April 2, 2025 and May 29, 2025. Of the 60 people for whom information is available, 22 were hospitalized and no deaths were reported.
People have reported buying and eating cucumbers in a variety of places, including grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, and on cruise ships. The FDA’s traceability investigation identified Bedner Growers Inc. as the common cucumber producer in this outbreak. The outbreak strain was identified by the FDA in cucumber samples collected at a distribution center in Pennsylvania. Another strain of Salmonella was identified from samples taken at the distribution center, linked to certain illnesses that occurred during an outbreak in 2024.
August Egg Salmonella – 134 sick, 38 hospitalized and 1 death
A total of 134 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported across 10 states. Six sick people reported traveling to California or Nevada in the week before becoming ill. The illnesses began between February 24, 2025 and June 6, 2025. Of the 112 people with information, 38 were hospitalized. One death was reported in California.
People reported purchasing many different brands of eggs from multiple stores. The FDA conducted a tracing investigation based on where ill people reported shopping or eating during the period of interest. August Egg Company was identified as a common supplier of eggs. Sick people in Kentucky, New Jersey and Washington reported traveling to California and Nevada before becoming ill.
Oysters Salmonella – 64 sick and 20 hospitalized
As of December 23, 2025, 64 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported in 22 states. The illnesses began between June 21, 2025 and November 28, 2025. Of 44 people with information, 20 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
