At least 10 people in the U.S. have become ill due to a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat food products. Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California, is recalling several items as federal officials investigate the situation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the outbreak has affected individuals in California and Nevada, all of whom required hospitalization. The affected products were sold in various locations, including hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington.
Listeria symptoms can appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated food. Mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. More severe cases can lead to headaches, confusion, and even convulsions.
Federal officials began looking into this outbreak last year but initially struggled to pinpoint the source. The investigation was reopened in April when FDA inspectors found listeria in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods that matched the outbreak strain.
In response to the findings, Fresh & Ready Foods announced it took immediate action, including removing equipment to address the contamination. The FDA reported that six of the ten sick individuals had been hospitalized prior to their listeria illnesses, and products from Fresh & Ready Foods had been served at some of these healthcare facilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that samples from sick patients were collected between December 2023 and September 2024. Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily recalled several products, identifiable by “use by” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19 of this year. These products are sold under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.
As the investigation continues, consumers are urged to stay informed and check their food products to ensure their safety.