A recent outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes has been traced to ready-to-eat (RTE) foods produced by Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC, based in San Fernando, California. This serious public health concern has led to hospitalizations and prompted swift action from federal agencies. At Biren Law Group, we are committed to keeping our community informed and advocating for those affected by foodborne illness outbreaks.
Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of the outbreak, critical recommendations, and how our firm can assist victims.
What Products Are Involved?
The outbreak is linked to various ready-to-eat products, including sandwiches, snack boxes, and protein snacks manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC. These products were sold under several brand names, such as:
- Fresh & Ready Foods
- City Point Market Fresh Food to Go
- Fresh Take Crave
These items were sold at retailers, hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines.
Important Dates Associated with the Outbreak
According to the FDA, “The FDA and CDC began investigating this cluster in 2024, however, there was not enough evidence in the previous investigation to identify a source for the outbreak. The investigation was reopened in April 2025 after FDA investigators found Listeria in environmental samples collected from Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC during a routine surveillance inspection.”
The affected products have “Use By” dates ranging from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025, and were distributed between April 18, 2025, and April 28, 2025.
Important FDA Recommendations
The FDA has issued clear guidance to mitigate the risks associated with this outbreak:
- Do not consume recalled products: Consumers should not eat any recalled ready-to-eat foods from Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC.
- Check your inventory: Retailers, foodservice providers, and consumers should verify if they have products with “Use By” dates from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025, and dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase.
- Sanitize surfaces and containers: Listeria can survive in refrigerated environments and spread to other foods and surfaces. Thoroughly clean and sanitize refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Follow the FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to prevent cross-contamination.
- Seek medical care: If you or a family member experience symptoms of listeriosis, contact your healthcare provider immediately to report symptoms and receive care.
Has There Been an Official Recall?
Yes, Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC, initiated a voluntary recall on May 10, 2025, for select ready-to-eat products, including sandwiches and snack items, due to potential Listeria contamination. Consumers, retailers, and foodservice providers are urged not to eat, sell, or serve these recalled products. For detailed information on the recalled products, including package labels and brand specifics, refer to the official recall notice on the FDA’s website.
Where Have People Been Impacted?
The affected products are known to have been sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington.
As of May 9, 2025, the outbreak has affected 10 individuals across two states:
- California: 8 cases
- Nevada: 2 cases
All 10 affected individuals have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. The CDC notes that the true number of cases may be higher, as some infections go unreported, and the outbreak may extend beyond these states due to the wide distribution of the products.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Listeria monocytogenes poses a severe risk to certain groups, including:
- Pregnant women and their newborns: Infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening illness in newborns, even if the mother experiences only mild symptoms like fever, fatigue, or muscle aches.
- Adults aged 65 or older: Aging weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to severe complications.
- People with weakened immune systems: This includes individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases, as well as transplant patients.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Pregnant women may experience mild symptoms but face significant risks to their pregnancy. Anyone in these high-risk groups who suspects exposure should seek medical attention immediately.
What Should People Do If They Have These Products?
If you have purchased or received any of the recalled ready-to-eat products:
- Do not eat or serve them: Discard the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase.
- Clean and sanitize: Wash and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or refrigerators that may have come into contact with the recalled items to prevent cross-contamination.
- Check your records: Healthcare facilities, hospitals, and other institutions should review their inventory to ensure no recalled products are served.
- Monitor for symptoms: If you’ve consumed these products and experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or neurological issues, seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider about potential exposure.
Where to Find Up-to-Date Information
For the latest updates on this outbreak and other potential listeria outbreaks, refer to these sources:
- FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Page
- CDC Outbreaks Page
- FoodSafety.gov Recalls and Outbreaks Page
How Biren Law Group Can Help
At Biren Law Group, we understand the devastating impact that foodborne illnesses like listeriosis can have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Listeria outbreak linked to Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC, our experienced attorneys are here to help. We specialize in representing victims of foodborne illness outbreaks, holding negligent manufacturers and distributors accountable for their actions.
Our firm can assist by:
- Investigating your case: We will thoroughly review your situation to determine if you have a valid claim related to this outbreak.
- Pursuing compensation: We seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the illness.
- Advocating for justice: Our team has a proven track record of securing justice for clients harmed by unsafe food products, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable.
If you suspect you’ve been affected, contact Biren Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation.
Call us at (888) 401-7141 or contact us online to learn more about your legal options. Time is critical in these cases, so don’t delay in seeking the help you deserve.