Tag: recall notices

Listeria Outbreak: How LetterStream Quickly Mailed Out Recall Notices

LetterStream quickly and efficiently mailed out urgent recall notices to help prevent further tragedy in widespread Listeria outbreak.

A deadly Listeria outbreak linked to frozen nutritional shakes has resulted in 12 deaths and 38 infections across 21 states. The FDA and CDC issued an urgent recall, warning healthcare facilities and nursing homes of the dangers posed by contaminated ready-to-drink protein shakes. LetterStream played a crucial role in assisting a customer with mailing recall notices, ensuring at-risk individuals and caregivers received timely information that could help prevent further loss of life.

The Listeria Outbreak: What Happened?

In February 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traced a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak to frozen supplemental shakes produced by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. These shakes, distributed under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, were primarily sent to long-term care facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Unlike retail food recalls, this outbreak disproportionately affected elderly patients, individuals with weakened immune systems, and hospitalized individuals—all of whom are at high risk for severe illness from Listeria (FDA, 2025; CDC, 2025).

The CDC confirmed 12 deaths and 37 hospitalizations among the 38 reported cases. Tracing the contamination back, authorities found that the same strain of Listeria had been present in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, production facility since 2018. This shocking discovery raised concerns about long-term safety violations and lapses in quality control (San Francisco Chronicle, 2025).

Immediate Recall Efforts to Protect Vulnerable Populations

Upon discovering the contamination, a nationwide recall was issued on February 22, 2025, urging healthcare facilities to immediately discard affected products. However, because the shakes were not sold in retail stores, public awareness was limited—making it harder for facilities and caregivers to react swiftly (People, 2025).

This is where LetterStream played a vital role.

LetterStream’s Contribution to the Rapid Recall Response

In the wake of the outbreak, one of our clients turned to LetterStream to expedite the mailing of urgent food recall notices to care facilities, patients, and caregivers. Our high-speed printing and mailing solutions enabled them to quickly notify thousands of recipients, reducing the risk of further Listeria-related illnesses and fatalities.

By utilizing USPS First-Class Mail and Certified Mail online, we ensured that the recall notices went out quickly so recipients could receive their notices promptly and securely. 

LetterStream’s automated mailing system provided:

  • Fast, reliable production and mailing of recall letters
  • Tracking options to confirm delivery through Certified Mail tracking

Through our streamlined print-and-mail services, we helped our client meet regulatory compliance requirements while maximizing the impact of their outreach. In a situation where every hour counts, our ability to handle time-sensitive, business-critical mailings contributed to public safety efforts.

Why Rapid Recall Notices Are Critical in Food Safety

In foodborne illness outbreaks, delays in communication can cost lives. The FDA and CDC depend on manufacturers and distributors to quickly notify those affected. While digital alerts and press releases are valuable, many healthcare administrators and caregivers rely on physical notices to take immediate action.

LetterStream specializes in handling:

  • All types of recall notices
  • Critical product safety communications
  • Mass mailing campaigns for urgent notifications

By bridging the gap between regulatory agencies and the public, we help ensure that important recall information reaches those who need it most—fast.

Final Thoughts: Public Safety Through Fast, Reliable Mail Solutions

The recent Listeria outbreak is a stark reminder of how crucial timely and effective communication is in public health emergencies. LetterStream remains committed to supporting businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies in sending out urgent, business-critical mail.

For organizations needing fast, secure, and compliant recall notices, LetterStream provides an industry-leading solution—helping protect lives through efficient mail delivery.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account, you can do so, here.

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How To Easily Send Recall Notices Online

Sending recall notices is easier than you think. So easy, in fact, that you can send your recall letters right from your home or office. Imagine this: It’s a typical Tuesday morning, and just as you’re gearing up for the day with a coffee in hand, your team bursts in (or calls you) with news of a product recall. Maybe it’s a small part, or maybe it’s something more significant, but one thing’s clear: you need to reach out to your customers—fast.

Sending recall notices can feel like a juggling act. It’s about more than just getting the message out; it’s about getting it right, keeping your customers safe, and ensuring your company remains in good standing. But here’s the kicker: done right, recall notices can actually boost customer trust and loyalty. They don’t have to be a headache if you have the right strategy in place.

The Purpose of a Recall Notice

Recalls serve as a proactive measure, one that prioritizes customer safety. And yes, they’re often legally required, but more than that, recall notices show your customers that you have their well-being in mind, especially when it matters most.

A good recall notice is straightforward, including only the essentials: what’s being recalled, why it matters, and what the customer should do next. Think of it as the golden rule for recall notices—keep it simple and actionable.

Why Sending Snail Mail Is Essential in Recall Notices

Now, you might wonder, “Can’t we just email it and call it a day?” Unfortunately, for many recalls, email alone doesn’t cut it. For many industries like automotive, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals, sending physical mail is often required. And beyond compliance, physical notices are simply more tangible. They feel real—and they make a real impact.

But here’s where things can get tricky. Between managing addresses, printing, mailing, and ensuring delivery, sending thousands of recall notices can feel like juggling on a tightrope. That’s why many companies look for reliable mailing partners who specialize in high-stakes, time-sensitive mail.

The Power of Partnering with a Mailing Service

Think about what it would be like having a partner who can handle the entire recall process for you—from printing to mailing and tracking. That’s the dream, right? When you outsource recall notices, you’re not just checking off a box; you’re making sure every message reaches the right person at the right time.

Now, think about what it would be like having a partner who can handle the entire recall process for you—from printing and mailing to tracking. Working with a mailing service for your recall notices is bascially like having a backstage crew handling all the details and that’s the dream, right? Your focus stays on supporting your customers, while your partner handles the logistics, ensuring each notice gets sent out where it needs to go—quickly and accurately.

Here’s what a strong mailing partner brings to your recall game:

  • Speed: Timing is everything in a recall. Delays simply aren’t an option. With an experienced partner, you can get notices out in days, not weeks.
  • Accuracy: Sending a recall notice to the wrong address? Not a great look. A good mailing service will have systems in place to double-check accuracy and reach the right audience.
  • Compliance: From secure data handling to meeting industry standards, an experienced provider ensures that you’re fully compliant every step of the way.The result? A smoother process for you and peace of mind for your customers.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid With Recall Notices

Let’s face it: sending recall notices can have its share of challenges. Here are a few pitfalls we’ve seen companies encounter—and how partnering with an expert mailing service can help avoid them:

  • Outdated Customer Information: Ever tried to reach a customer who moved years ago? It’s frustrating—and it undermines the impact of your notice. A dedicated mailing partner can help by verifying addresses and reducing the chances of returned mail. We refer to this service as Address Cleanup here at LetterStream.
  • Missing Follow-Ups: Sending one recall notice is rarely enough. Some customers need a second reminder. Setting up a follow-up plan and scheduling out your mailing makes a huge difference.
  • Complicated Next Steps: Recall notices should be easy to understand and act on. A skilled mailing partner ensures your notices are formatted clearly, making it simple for customers to know exactly what to do. LetterStream offers something called a PDF Preflight tool in customer accounts, which allows them to make sure addresses and content are structured correctly for First-Class Mail and Certified Mail.

Recall Notices Made Easy with LetterStream

Handling a recall is already challenging—sending out notices shouldn’t make it harder. That’s why we’re here to help make the process smooth and straightforward by easily sending mail online. By offering print and mail online, we’re ensuring your recall notices go out quickly and reach the right people without any fuss. From printing, folding, and inserting to mailing, we handle every step, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: your customers. With us taking care of the logistics, sending recall notices becomes one less thing to worry about—quick, accurate, and easy.

Here’s the fun part. You can choose to send your recall letters via First-Class mail or some of you may be asking, “can you send certified mail online?” and the answer is yes! If you want send your recall notices as Certified Mail, we not only let you do that but we also let you track them right from inside of your account. It really is that easy with online printing and mailing companies…well at least at ours.

Trust and Transparency in Every Envelope

A recall notice is more than just a piece of mail. It’s a lifeline that keeps customers safe, builds trust, and strengthens your brand reputation. By sending timely, accurate recall notices, you show customers that you’re proactive about their well-being. And yes, it’s legally required in many cases—but even without the mandate, it’s simply the right thing to do.

LetterStream is an online printing and mailing service company, offering bulk printing and mailing business mailing solutions for businesses of all sizes, from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online. Click here to create a free account.