What Glucerna is being recalled?: Understanding the 2022 Lyons Magnus Nutritional Drink Recall

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

In mid-2022, a voluntary recall issued by co-manufacturer Lyons Magnus affected dozens of nutritional and beverage products, including specific varieties of Glucerna. This action prompted many consumers to question, 'What Glucerna is being recalled?,' particularly those who rely on the product for managing diabetes. The recall was initiated due to potential microbial contamination and serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety, even with trusted nutritional products.

Quick Summary

Lyons Magnus issued a voluntary recall in 2022 for certain Glucerna Original 24-count shake cases due to potential microbial contamination, including Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum. Affected products were sold at specific retailers and consumers were advised to dispose of them for safety. This recall is distinct from a later 2024 lawsuit concerning ingredients.

Key Points

Specific Products Recalled: The 2022 recall targeted certain 24-count club cases of Glucerna Original shakes in Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla flavors, sold at Costco, BJ's, and Sam's Club.
Microbial Contamination: The recall was triggered by a failure in commercial sterility, posing a risk of contamination from bacteria like Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum.
Serious Health Risks: Contamination by these bacteria can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
Immediate Action Advised: Consumers were instructed to dispose of or return any affected products immediately and not to consume them, even if they appeared normal.
Recall vs. Lawsuit: The recall is distinct from a 2024 class-action lawsuit concerning allegations of false advertising related to ingredients like sucralose, which was unrelated to contamination.
Finding Alternatives: Consumers relying on Glucerna for diabetes management should consult their healthcare provider for safe alternative nutritional options during a recall.

What Glucerna is being recalled?: The 2022 Lyons Magnus Contamination

The most significant recent recall involving Glucerna was in the summer of 2022. Co-manufacturer Lyons Magnus issued a voluntary recall for multiple nutritional and beverage products, including certain Glucerna items. The recall was due to a potential risk of microbial contamination stemming from a failure to meet commercial sterility standards during production. While Abbott Nutrition owns Glucerna, the recall specifically impacted products manufactured by Lyons Magnus, alongside other brands like Premier Protein.

The Specific Glucerna Products Included in the Recall

The 2022 recall was limited to particular Glucerna products sold in specific retail locations. Recalled products included specific 24-count club cases of Glucerna Original shakes (Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry flavors) sold at Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Sam's Club. Consumers were advised to check recall notices for details like lot codes and best-by dates to identify affected products. Other Glucerna products were not part of this recall.

Understanding the Microbial Contamination Risks

The recall was prompted by the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii and the risk of Clostridium botulinum. Cronobacter can cause symptoms like fever and vomiting and can be life-threatening for vulnerable individuals. Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin that can lead to botulism, a serious form of food poisoning characterized by difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness.

What to do if you owned a recalled product

Consumers who had affected products were advised to dispose of them immediately or return them for a refund. Consumption of potentially contaminated products was strongly discouraged due to the health risks.

Navigating Your Nutrition Diet During a Recall

Individuals who rely on Glucerna for managing blood sugar should consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for guidance on safe alternatives during a recall. They can consider other Glucerna options not included in the recall or other brands with similar nutritional profiles. Maintaining close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential. Consumers can also contact the manufacturer for assistance.

The Recall vs. The Lawsuit: An Important Distinction

The 2022 recall for contamination is distinct from a 2024 class-action lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories. This lawsuit alleges false advertising regarding Glucerna's ingredients and their impact on blood sugar, unrelated to the contamination issue.

Comparison of Glucerna Events: Recall vs. Lawsuit


Feature	2022 Lyons Magnus Recall	2024 False Advertising Lawsuit (Ongoing)
Initiator	Co-manufacturer Lyons Magnus and Abbott Nutrition	Consumers via class-action lawsuit
Reason	Potential microbial contamination (Cronobacter, Clostridium botulinum) due to manufacturing issues	Allegations that ingredients like sucralose are not beneficial for diabetes management despite marketing claims
Affected Products	Specific 24-count cases of Glucerna Original shakes (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry)	Glucerna shakes and powders, as alleged in the legal complaint
Action Required	Dispose of or return the recalled product immediately	Awaits judicial resolution; no product action required by consumers
Health Impact	Potential for serious bacterial infection (sepsis, meningitis, botulism) if consumed	Disputed claims regarding long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on blood sugar and health

Conclusion: Prioritizing Consumer Health and Information

The 2022 Glucerna recall initiated by Lyons Magnus highlighted the importance of manufacturing safety standards. While the recall was specific, it served as a reminder for consumers, especially those managing conditions like diabetes, to stay informed about potential product issues. No illnesses were confirmed in this instance, but the potential risks underscored the need for prompt action. Consumers should always check reliable sources like the FDA for recall information and consult healthcare providers for dietary guidance.

For more information on food safety, consumers can visit the official {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recall was initiated by co-manufacturer Lyons Magnus after discovering that certain batches of products, including Glucerna shakes, failed to meet commercial sterility specifications, potentially leading to microbial contamination.

The recall specifically targeted 24-count club cases of Glucerna Original shakes in Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla flavors, sold exclusively at Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Sam's Club.

As of the initial recall notices, no illnesses were reported in connection with the potentially contaminated Glucerna products. The recall was issued as a precautionary measure.

The advice was to dispose of the product immediately or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. It is crucial not to consume any recalled product.

There is no ongoing recall for Glucerna products related to microbial contamination as of late 2025. The last major event was the 2022 Lyons Magnus recall.

The 2022 event was a recall for potential microbial contamination. The 2024 lawsuit alleges false advertising regarding the nutritional claims and ingredients, like sucralose, and is unrelated to contamination.

Cronobacter can cause mild illness in healthy individuals but can lead to severe infections, including sepsis and meningitis, in vulnerable populations such as infants and the immunocompromised.

Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing or speaking, double or blurred vision, droopy eyelids, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Botulism is a medical emergency.

People with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider for guidance on safe and suitable nutritional alternatives. It is important to continue monitoring blood sugar levels closely.