FDA Launches Recall of Ready-to-Eat Foods Amid Deadly Listeria Outbreak: What You Need to Know
Dozens of ready-to-eat foods are currently under recall due to potential Listeria contamination. This situation involves products manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods, linked to a Listeria outbreak across two states. It’s critical that consumers check their fridges for these potentially hazardous products, dispose of them properly, and stay vigilant for signs of Listeria infection.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified the source of a significant Listeria outbreak: ready-to-eat foods. On Saturday, Fresh & Ready Foods took precautionary measures by voluntarily recalling 86 ready-made sandwiches, snacks, and pastas that could be contaminated with Listeria, a bacteria known to cause severe foodborne illnesses.
As of now, the outbreak has led to 10 hospitalizations in California and Nevada. If you’re in possession of any of these recalled items, it’s imperative to throw them away and monitor for signs of a Listeria infection.
Which Ready-to-Eat Foods Were Recalled?
The recalled foods, which do not require additional cooking, were sold under three different brands:
- Fresh & Ready Foods
- City Point Market
- Fresh Food to Go
- Fresh Take Crave Away
This recall encompasses 86 variations of sandwiches, snack boxes, and pastas, with use-by dates ranging from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025. For a complete list of affected products, visit the FDA’s website.
Which States Are Affected?
The recalled items were distributed across several retail locations, including:
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Convenience stores
- Airports
- Airlines
These products have been reported in four states:
- Arizona
- California
- Nevada
- Washington
As of now, illnesses associated with these recalled foods have exclusively been reported in California and Nevada.
Why Were the Ready-to-Eat Foods Recalled?
The reason for the recall is directly tied to an outbreak of Listeria identified as dating back to late 2023. Between December 2023 and September 2024, ten individuals were hospitalized due to Listeria infections. At that time, the FDA lacked sufficient data to pinpoint the outbreak’s source.
In April 2025, further investigation commenced after Listeria was discovered in samples collected from Fresh & Ready Foods during a routine inspection. Testing confirmed that the strain of Listeria found at the facility matched the one responsible for the outbreak.
Although there have been no reported illnesses linked specifically to the recalled foods, Fresh & Ready Foods opted for a precautionary recall of 86 items, emphasizing potential contamination.
What You Should Do
The FDA strongly advises consumers against eating any of the recalled products. If you find these items in your refrigerator, here’s what you should do:
- Throw the items away.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces and containers that came into contact with the recalled products.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms of Listeria infection.
Common Symptoms of Listeria Infection
Symptoms of a Listeria infection often include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
In severe cases, Listeria can disseminate from the gut to other body parts, leading to a serious condition known as invasive listeriosis. Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness, including:
- Pregnant individuals
- People aged 65 and older
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
If you experience any symptoms after consuming a recalled product, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
