A listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack products has affected at least ten individuals in the United States, prompting a widespread voluntary recall. According to federal health officials, the recalled products were produced by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC and distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. Those infected were primarily located in California and Nevada, with all reported cases requiring hospitalization.
The outbreak has been under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since December 2023, suggesting that the contamination may have persisted undetected for several months. Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily recalled more than 80 products distributed between April 18 and April 25. These items, sold under various labels including Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away, had “Use By” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19.
Consumers are urged to discard any affected products immediately or return them to the place of purchase. The CDC also advises thoroughly cleaning any surfaces, containers, or appliances that may have come into contact with the contaminated food.
Understanding Listeria: Where It Comes From and How It Spreads
Listeria Outbreak monocytogenes, the bacterium behind the outbreak, is a particularly hardy pathogen capable of surviving in cold, moist environments, including refrigerated conditions. Found naturally in soil, water, and decaying vegetation, listeria can easily enter the food chain through contaminated harvesting, processing, or storage environments.
The challenge with listeria lies in its resilience. Once introduced into a food processing facility, the bacteria can become entrenched and difficult to eliminate, often spreading through equipment and storage areas. This makes strict sanitation practices essential in facilities producing ready-to-eat items.
Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow during refrigeration and is not always eliminated during standard food handling procedures. It is especially dangerous in pre-packaged foods that are not intended to be heated before consumption.
Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
Listeria Outbreak infection, or listeriosis, causes symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, the infection can lead to headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
The CDC warns that symptoms may appear anywhere from a few hours to several weeks after exposure, making the illness particularly difficult to trace. Those at highest risk include pregnant individuals, adults over 65, infants, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Although listeria can be killed by heating food to 165°F (74°C), this isn’t always practical for ready-to-eat items. As such, consumers are advised to be cautious with cold-prepared foods, especially during outbreaks, and to clean kitchen surfaces, refrigerator drawers, and shelves thoroughly if contamination is suspected.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge vigilance among retailers and consumers alike.
