FDA urgently recalls contaminated snacks that caused illness in 4 states, leading to hospitalization of 10 people

AT least 10 people from multiple states have been hospitalized after eating bacteria-riddled snacks sold by a major food manufacturer.

The Food and Drug Administration has stated that individuals who became ill were affected by a listeria outbreak related to on-the-go food items they had purchased from different retailers.

An investigation found that the bacteria was connected to foods manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California.

The company is now voluntarily recalling several products that came up in the FDA’s report into the listeria outbreak.

They include sandwiches and snacks that are ready-to-eat from the store.

The recalled items were sold across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington.

But those known to have been hospitalized were only based in California and Nevada, the FDA said.

According to the FDA, “As of May 9, 2025, a total of 10 individuals have contracted the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes across two states. All 10 individuals have required hospitalization.”

As a result of the investigation, Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC chose to voluntarily withdraw numerous Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food products, such as sandwiches and snacks that do not require additional cooking.

The FDA said that these items were sold at “a variety of locations including retailers and food service locations such as hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines.”

Officials also clarified that six of the 10 taken to hospital had already already admitted before coming down with listeria.

Further tests found that contaminated products by Fresh & Ready Foods had been served in at least three of these hospitals and health centres where the patients had been treated before becoming ill.

RECALLED PRODUCTS

All contaminated products were distributed by Fresh & Ready Foods between April 18 and April 28.

They can be identified by the “Use By” dates of between April 22 and May 19.

The following brands are included in the recall:

• Fresh & Ready Foods
• City Point Market Fresh Food to Go
• Fresh Take Crave Away

The FDA’s investigation was first launched in 2024 but not enough evidence was found to narrow down a source for the outbreak.

It was then reopened in April after the FDA “found Listeria in environmental samples collected from Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC during a routine surveillance inspection”.

These samples were then analysed and found to match those from 2024.

The FDA investigation is still ongoing and the agency has warned that while it has identified four states where affected products have been distributed, there may be more.

A full list of affected products can be found here.

Anyone who wishes to file a complaint or report an illness or serious allergic reaction can do so here.

Symptoms of Listeriosis (Listeria)

Symptoms usually begin within two weeks of eating contaminated food but could begin within hours or take up to 10 weeks.

Mild Symptoms:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Severe Symptoms:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions