This image from 2002, taken with an electron microscope, shows the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and credited to Elizabeth White.
At least ten people in the United States have fallen ill due to a listeria outbreak connected to pre-packaged meals, according to a recent update from federal health officials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the outbreak has been traced to food products made by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California.
All reported cases have occurred in California and Nevada, with the affected individuals needing hospital care. The FDA stated that the contaminated items were sold across four states — Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. These ready-to-eat foods were distributed in several high-traffic areas, including hospitals, hotels, airports, convenience stores, and even through airline services.
Listeria is a harmful bacterium that can cause serious health issues. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of consuming infected food. They often start mildly, with signs like fever, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. In more severe cases, people may suffer from headaches, confusion, stiff neck, loss of balance, and even seizures. Pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Officials revealed that the investigation into the outbreak had actually begun in 2023, but they couldn’t pin down the source at that time. However, the case was reopened in April this year after FDA inspectors found listeria in food samples collected from Fresh & Ready Foods. The bacteria found in those samples matched the same strain seen in the sick patients.
Fresh & Ready Foods responded by taking quick action. The company removed equipment from its facilities to help eliminate the contamination and prevent further risk. They are also cooperating fully with authorities.
One alarming detail from the investigation is that six of the ten people had been in hospitals before developing symptoms. This suggests that the listeria-tainted foods may have been served within those healthcare centers. Investigators noted that some of the recalled food was served in at least three of the facilities where these patients had recently been treated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that samples taken from the sick individuals ranged from December 2023 to September 2024 — suggesting the issue has been ongoing for several months.
As a safety measure, Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily pulled several of its products from the market. The recalled items have “use by” dates from April 22 to May 19 and were sold under various labels: Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.
Consumers who may have purchased these products are advised to check labels and discard any that match the recall list. Anyone feeling unwell after consuming such food should seek medical attention immediately.
