Ready-to-Eat Recall: Listeria Outbreak Hospitalizes 10 in CA and NV

A listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat foods has hospitalized at least 10 individuals in California and Nevada. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have traced the source to Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, a San Fernando-based company. The contaminated products, including sandwiches and snack items, were distributed across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington between April 18 and April 28, 2025, with “Use By” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19, 2025.

The outbreak was initially investigated in 2024 but lacked sufficient evidence to identify a source. In April 2025, routine FDA inspections found Listeria monocytogenes in environmental samples at Fresh & Ready Foods’ facility. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the strain matched the one causing the illnesses.

The recalled products were sold under various brand names, including Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away. They were available at multiple locations such as hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines. Consumers are advised to check the FDA website for a full list of recalled products and to discard any items matching the specified “Use By” dates.

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to more severe complications like meningitis. It poses a significant risk to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The FDA recommends that consumers clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products, as Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and spread to other foods and surfaces.

Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily recalled the affected products and taken corrective actions, including removing equipment to address the contamination issue. The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.