FDA Issues Voluntary Recall on Ready-to-Eat Foods Due to Potential Listeria Contamination
Affected Sandwiches and Snacks Sold Across Four States Could Pose Serious Health Risks
On May 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of 86 ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack products sold by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium known to cause serious infections.
The recall affects items that were sold in vending machines and break rooms at various corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and medical buildings.
The recall was prompted by a routine FDA inspection that revealed a positive result for Listeria on equipment used in the production process at the Fresh & Ready Foods manufacturing plant.
What Led to the Recall?
The decision to recall the products came after an FDA inspection uncovered traces of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria on equipment at the company’s production facility.
Although no illnesses have yet been directly linked to the recalled products, the FDA and the company are taking proactive measures to protect consumers from potential harm.
The recall is being carried out as a precautionary step, highlighting the company’s commitment to consumer safety.
Affected Products and Distribution
The affected products, which include a range of sandwiches, ready-to-eat pasta dishes, snack boxes, and snack mixes, were sold under the following brand names:
- Fresh & Ready Foods
- Fresh Take Crave Away
- City Point Market Fresh Food to Go
These items were distributed to several locations across four states: Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington.
Consumers in these areas are being urged to review the “Use By” dates on the products, which can be found printed on the front of each package.
The recall applies to products with “Use By” dates ranging from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025.
A full list of the affected items, including their specific item numbers and packaging information, is available on the FDA website.
Photos of the product packaging are also provided for easier identification.
Key Details About the Recall
The FDA’s announcement states that Fresh & Ready Foods LLC has voluntarily recalled 86 products as part of this safety precaution.
These products were sold in vending machines and break rooms in corporate offices and medical settings, where convenient, ready-to-eat meals are commonly consumed.
While no cases of Listeria infection have been reported directly linked to the recalled products, NBC News has reported that 10 illnesses, including 8 hospitalizations, have been linked to a Listeria outbreak in California and Nevada.
The FDA, alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is actively investigating the outbreak to determine the exact source.
The Danger of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can lead to serious illnesses, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women, elderly individuals, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are at an elevated risk of contracting infections from Listeria.
These infections may cause symptoms like fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and muscle aches.
In extreme cases, Listeria infections can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or death.
For pregnant women, the risk is particularly concerning as Listeria infections can cause preterm labor or damage to the fetus.
The infection can also lead to meningitis, sepsis, and other serious health complications in newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
Steps Consumers Should Take
Consumers who bought any of the affected products should check the “Use By” dates on the packaging.
If the dates fall within the range of April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025, the items should be discarded immediately.
Although no illnesses have been directly linked to the recall, it is important to act quickly to reduce any risk.
The FDA provides a full list of the affected products, including packaging images, to help consumers identify the recalled items.
Fresh & Ready Foods LLC has stated that they are working diligently to address the contamination issue, and they are in the process of implementing additional safety measures to prevent future incidents.
In addition to the recall, the company is cooperating with federal health authorities to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard public health.
Why This Recall Matters
Food safety is a crucial issue, and recalls like this one highlight the importance of vigilance in the production and distribution of ready-to-eat products.
The FDA’s inspection process plays a key role in identifying potential contamination risks before they can affect consumers.
In this case, the proactive measures taken by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC reflect a commitment to consumer safety, but it also underscores the risks that can arise from the consumption of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals.
| Prevention Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🔍 Check Product Labels | Always check the “Use By” or expiration dates and look for recalls or safety alerts | Ensure that you are consuming products within their safe period. Also, look for any safety warnings or recalls issued by health authorities like the FDA or CDC to avoid potentially contaminated products. |
| ❄️ Proper Storage | Store ready-to-eat foods at the correct temperature; refrigerate perishables promptly | Ensure that perishable foods such as salads, sandwiches, or deli meats are refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C). Foods left at room temperature for more than two hours can increase the risk of bacteria growth, including Listeria. |
| 🧼 Safe Food Handling | Clean kitchen surfaces, utensils, and hands before preparing food, and disinfect regularly | Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food can prevent cross-contamination. It’s important to disinfect cutting boards, knives, and countertops after handling raw food, especially meats and vegetables. |
| 📰 Stay Informed | Stay updated on food safety alerts and recalls from trusted sources like the FDA, CDC, or health departments | Regularly check the websites of trusted health organizations like the FDA, CDC, or your local health department for the latest information on food safety, recalls, and alerts related to foodborne illnesses such as Listeria. |
Conclusion
The recall of 86 Fresh & Ready Foods products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination serves as a reminder of the critical importance of food safety.
While no direct illnesses have been reported, the FDA’s proactive recall is an essential step in preventing the spread of this harmful bacteria.
Consumers are advised to check their products for the “Use By” dates and discard any items that fall within the affected range.
The recall also highlights the risks associated with ready-to-eat meals, especially in vulnerable groups.
As investigations continue, both the FDA and CDC are working to confirm the source of the outbreak and ensure that all affected products are removed from circulation.
For those who may have purchased affected products, it is vital to act promptly and follow the recommended safety steps.
Through heightened awareness and preventive measures, consumers can better protect themselves and their families from foodborne illnesses such as Listeria.
