SAN FERNANDO, Calif.—A listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat food products has affected at least 10 individuals in the U.S., prompting a voluntary recall by a food producer, according to federal health authorities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Saturday that both federal and local officials are examining the outbreak, which has been connected to items manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, located in San Fernando, California. The affected individuals, reported to be from California and Nevada, have required hospital care due to the severity of their symptoms.
The contaminated food products were distributed across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. These items were available at various retailers and served in a range of venues including hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, and even through airlines.
Symptoms of listeria typically manifest within two weeks after ingesting contaminated food. While mild cases can involve fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea, more severe manifestations include headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and even convulsions.
The current investigation into the outbreak initially began last year but was put on hold due to insufficient evidence. It resurfaced in April when FDA investigators detected listeria strains in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods that matched those from the outbreak cases.
In response to the outbreak, Fresh & Ready Foods issued a statement detailing immediate corrective measures, which included the removal of potentially faulty equipment.
The FDA observed that six out of the ten affected individuals were already hospitalized for other reasons prior to their listeria infections. Products from Fresh & Ready Foods were confirmed to have been served in at least three of these healthcare facilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that samples from the afflicted patients were gathered between December 2023 and September 2024.
In an effort to mitigate further risk, Fresh & Ready has voluntarily recalled several of its products. The affected items are identifiable by “use by” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19 of this year and are branded under names such as Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.