The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat products from Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California. At least 10 individuals in California and Nevada have been hospitalized due to the outbreak. The affected products were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, reaching various retailers, hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines.
Listeria typically presents symptoms within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, ranging from mild (fever, muscle aches, nausea) to severe (headache, stiff neck, confusion). The investigation initially started last year but was inconclusive until the FDA found matching listeria strains in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods during a reopened investigation in April.
Fresh & Ready Foods has responded by voluntarily recalling several products with “use by” dates from April 22 to May 19, under brand names including Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away. The FDA continues to collaborate with state and local officials to manage the situation and ensure public safety.