At least 10 people have been hospitalized in California and Nevada following a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat food items produced by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC of San Fernando, California, federal health officials said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the outbreak has prompted a voluntary recall of several food products distributed across four states.
The affected items were sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington through various retailers and food service locations, including hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and even onboard airlines, the FDA said in a statement released on Saturday.
Symptoms of listeria infection typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food and may include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and muscle aches. In more serious cases, individuals may experience confusion, convulsions, and a loss of balance. Officials noted that six out of the 10 patients were hospitalized prior to falling ill, raising concerns about contamination in healthcare settings.
Although the outbreak investigation initially began last year, it was inconclusive until April 2025, when FDA investigators collected samples from Fresh & Ready Foods that matched the strain responsible for the outbreak. In response, the company reportedly implemented immediate corrective measures, including removing suspect equipment from its facilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that test samples from infected individuals were collected between December 2023 and September 2024. Fresh & Ready Foods has since recalled products under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away, with “use by” dates from April 22 to May 19, 2025.
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and discard any affected products to prevent further illnesses. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the situation and urge anyone experiencing listeria symptoms after consuming ready-to-eat foods to seek medical attention immediately.
Sources By Agencies
