A Listeria outbreak that hospitalized 10 individuals has been traced to ready-to-eat products from Fresh & Ready Foods LLC in San Fernando, California. The outbreak includes eight cases in California and two in Nevada, dating back to December 2023. The investigation resumed in April 2025 after Listeria monocytogenes was found during a routine inspection at the facility. Listeriosis can cause intestinal symptoms like diarrhea and fever, and invasive infections may lead to headaches, confusion, or seizures, particularly affecting older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Six of the 10 affected individuals were hospitalized before exposure, with three cases linked to healthcare facilities serving Fresh & Ready Foods products. No illnesses have been reported in 2025, but cases may still emerge due to the typical 3-4 week reporting lag. Fresh & Ready Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of products with ‘Use by’ dates from April 22 to May 19, 2025, affecting brands such as Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away. These products were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. The FDA advises against consuming, selling, or serving these products and recommends cleaning any surfaces they may have touched. Symptoms can appear within a day or up to 10 weeks after exposure.
— new from Live Science
