Urgent Recall: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Foods
Introduction: Important Health Alert
An important public health alert has been issued regarding a Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat foods produced by Fresh and Ready Foods. This recall, announced around May 12th, 2025, affects various sandwiches and snack items commonly found in vending machines, hospitals, and retail locations. At least ten individuals have been hospitalized, underscoring the seriousness of this situation.
The Outbreak: What We Know
At least 10 people have been hospitalized in California and Nevada due to Listeria infections connected to these products. Alarmingly, six of these individuals were already hospitalized for other reasons and were served the contaminated food within healthcare facilities. This highlights a critical lapse in food safety for vulnerable populations.
The recalled products were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. They were available through various channels including:
- Retailers
- Food service points (hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports)
- Airlines
Recalled Products: Brands and Items
The recall covers ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items sold under three primary brand names:
- Fresh and Ready Foods
- City Point Market fresh food to go
- Fresh Take Crave Away
A wide range of products are affected. Consumers are urged to check any products from these brands. Some examples include:
- Garlic Pesto Pasta
- Turkey and Bacon Club Mega Grain Sandwich
- Ham and Cheese Mega Grain Sandwich
- Turkey and Cheese Croissant Sandwich
- Artisan Cheese Bistro Box (containing items like garlic artichoke dip, cream cheese)
- Various Sub Sandwiches (e.g., Fresh and Ready Club Supreme Sub)
- Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
- Street Corn Dipper Snack
- Mike's Tuna Mac Pasta
- PB&J Crunch Sandwich on Country White
- PowerPoint Market Protein Snack (may contain peanut butter, vegetable oil, additives, salt, sugar, corn syrup)
- PowerPoint Market Bagellet Sandwich
- Almonds and Chocolate Snack
- Veggie Snack
This is not an exhaustive list. If you have any products from these brands, please check official recall notices.
Understanding Listeria: Symptoms and Risks
Listeriosis, the infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, can be serious, especially for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can manifest earlier or later.
Mild symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
More severe symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
If you have consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Investigation Details
Federal officials indicated that the investigation into this outbreak began in 2024. However, it was initially challenging to pinpoint the source of the infection due to insufficient evidence.
The investigation was reopened in April 2025 after FDA investigators discovered Listeria in environmental samples collected from Fresh and Ready Foods' production facility. Crucially, this Listeria strain matched the one isolated from the individuals who had fallen ill. The contamination was traced to a piece of equipment at the facility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collected test samples from sick individuals between December 2023 and September 2024, indicating the outbreak has been ongoing for a significant period.
Fresh and Ready Foods' Response
In a news release, Fresh and Ready Foods stated that it took "immediate corrective action" to address the contamination. This included removing the implicated equipment from their facility.
What You Should Do: FDA Advisory
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a clear advisory: Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items made by Fresh and Ready Foods, City Point Market fresh food to go, or Fresh Take Crave Away.
Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for these products and discard them immediately. Retailers and food service operators must ensure these products are not sold or served.
If you believe you have consumed a recalled product, monitor yourself for symptoms of Listeria infection and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Stay Informed and Safe
This Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat foods is a serious reminder of the importance of food safety. Please share this information to help protect others. If you have any of these products, dispose of them immediately. Your health is paramount.
What are your thoughts on this recall? Have you encountered these products? Please share your comments below.
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Tags: Food Recall, Listeria, Public Health, Food Safety, Fresh and Ready Foods, Consumer Alert, Outbreak, Ready to Eat, Sandwiches, Snacks, Health News 2025
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