At least 10 individuals in the United States have fallen ill due to a listeria outbreak associated with ready-to-eat foods. In response, producers are recalling some affected products, as reported by federal officials.
On Saturday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that an investigation into food produced by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California, is underway. According to the FDA, those who got sick are located in California and Nevada, and some have required hospitalization.
The contaminated products are being distributed across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington in various locations including hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, and airports, among others.
Symptoms of listeria can start showing up within two weeks after consuming contaminated food. Generally mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea, while more severe indications can involve headaches, stiff neck, confusion, balance issues, and cramps.
Federal officials noted they began looking into this outbreak last year but lacked adequate evidence to pinpoint the infection’s source. The investigation picked back up in April when FDA investigators found listeria in samples from prepared fresh foods linked to the outbreak.
Fresh & Ready Foods responded by stating that immediate measures, including the removal of equipment, are being taken to rectify the situation.
According to the FDA, six of the 10 affected individuals had been hospitalized prior to their illnesses, with connections to listeria. Further investigation revealed that fresh, prepared foods had been served at three healthcare facilities where patients had previously received treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that test samples from the sick patients were collected between December 2023 and September 2024.
As a precaution, Fresh & Ready has voluntarily recalled multiple products identified by “Use by” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19 of this year. The affected products can be recognized under the Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Food To Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away labels with the specified “use” dates.
