A California food producer’s contaminated products have hospitalized at least 10 Americans with severe listeria infections, prompting a major FDA investigation and widespread product recalls across four western states.
Key Takeaways
- At least 10 people in California and Nevada required hospitalization due to listeria infections linked to Fresh & Ready Foods LLC products
- The FDA found matching listeria strains in samples from the San Fernando, California-based company after reopening an investigation in April
- Contaminated products were distributed to retailers, hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington
- Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily recalled products with “use by” dates from April 22 to May 19, 2025
- Six of the infected individuals were already hospitalized before contracting listeria, with the company’s products served in at least three healthcare facilities
Listeria Outbreak Hospitalizes 10 Americans
Federal health officials have identified Fresh & Ready Foods LLC as the source of a dangerous listeria outbreak that has hospitalized at least 10 Americans. The contamination, linked to ready-to-eat food products from the California-based producer, has affected residents in California and Nevada, with all victims requiring hospitalization. This outbreak highlights yet another food safety failure requiring extensive federal intervention, as the contaminated products were widely distributed across multiple western states through various commercial channels.
The affected products were sold under multiple brand names including Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away. Distribution extended to Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, with products appearing in retailers, hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines. This widespread distribution channel magnifies the potential public health impact, especially considering that many of the products were served in healthcare settings where vulnerable populations reside.
FDA Investigation Timeline and Findings
The investigation into this outbreak actually began last year but initially proved inconclusive. In April 2025, FDA investigators reopened the case and made a critical breakthrough when they discovered matching listeria strains in samples taken from Fresh & Ready Foods’ facility. This genetic match provided the definitive evidence needed to confirm the company as the outbreak source. The CDC has been collecting test samples from infected patients over an extended period, with cases spanning from December 2023 through September 2024.
Particularly concerning is that six of the ten affected individuals were already hospitalized for other conditions before contracting listeria. Fresh & Ready Foods products were confirmed to have been served in at least three of these healthcare facilities, suggesting that some of our most vulnerable citizens were exposed to contaminated food while already in medical care. This disturbing pattern raises serious questions about food safety protocols within healthcare settings and the responsibility of food suppliers to these institutions.
Health Risks and Company Response
Listeria infection can manifest with symptoms ranging from mild to potentially fatal. Milder cases typically present with fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, more severe cases can develop serious complications including headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The bacteria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems – precisely the populations often found in the healthcare facilities where these products were served.
In response to the outbreak, Fresh & Ready Foods has taken corrective actions including removing equipment identified as potential contamination sources. The company has also voluntarily recalled multiple product lines with “use by” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19. As of Sunday, the company had not responded to requests for comment about the outbreak or their remediation efforts. The FDA’s investigation continues as health officials work to ensure no additional cases emerge from this contamination event.
