An outbreak of listeria connected to pre-prepared foods, such as sandwiches and pasta dishes, has resulted in the hospitalization of ten individuals across California and Nevada. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Fresh & Ready Foods voluntarily recalled numerous ready-to-eat products following the detection of listeria contamination. This action was taken after an investigation revealed a match between the bacteria strain found in their products and the one responsible for the illnesses.
In early 2024, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) initiated an investigation into a cluster of listeria cases but were unable to identify the source at that time. However, in April 2025, the investigation resumed when listeria was detected in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods. The affected items, which do not require cooking before consumption, have "use by" dates ranging from April 22 to May 19. These products were distributed under various brand names and sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, primarily in hospitals, hotels, and airports.
Eight patients were hospitalized in California, while two others were treated in Nevada due to the outbreak. The onset of symptoms occurred between December 2023 and September 2024, according to CDC data. Although no illnesses have been reported related to specific products distributed between April 18 and April 28, 2025, the company decided to recall these items as a precautionary measure to safeguard consumer health.
The FDA strongly advises against consuming any of the more than 75 recalled products and suggests cleaning all surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated food. Listeria is a resilient bacterium capable of surviving refrigeration. Symptoms include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting, or more severe symptoms if the infection spreads through the bloodstream, affecting high-risk groups such as newborns, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of this harmful bacteria. The voluntary recall aims to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable populations from potential complications arising from listeria exposure.