Health authorities in the U.S. have announced a major food recall across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington after at least 10 people were hospitalized in connection with a suspected listeria outbreak. The source has now been linked to the Fresh & Ready Foods company, which makes various ready-to-eat items.
The recall affects products sold under several brand names at vending machines, airports, convenience stores, and quick-service locations.
What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children. While many people only experience mild symptoms such as fever, nausea, and diarrhea, the infection can be life-threatening for vulnerable individuals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1,600 people get listeria every year in the U.S., and 260 people die from it.
What Triggered the Recall?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reopened its investigation into the outbreak over the weekend. The outbreak was originally flagged last year, but a cause was not found at the time.
Now, FDA officials say they found listeria bacteria in equipment at a Fresh & Ready Foods facility during a recent inspection. The strain matched the one involved in the current outbreak.
The FDA quickly issued a recall and recommended that affected food products not be eaten or sold. It also urged distributors and retailers to clean and sanitize their equipment to avoid cross-contamination.
Which Food Items Are Affected?
The recall includes several popular ready-to-eat food items such as:
- Breakfast burritos
- Deli-style sandwiches
- Assorted snack packs
These items were sold under the brand names:
- Fresh & Ready Foods
- City Point Market Fresh Food to Go
- Fresh Take Crave Away
Only items with “use by” dates of May 19, 2025, or earlier are affected. These products were widely available at vending machines, convenience stores, airports, and other grab-and-go locations.
Where Were People Hospitalized?
The 10 people hospitalized so far were located in Nevada and California. However, authorities have not released further details about their conditions.
Although no cases have yet been confirmed in Arizona or Washington, products in those states have also been recalled as a safety precaution.
What Should You Do Now?
If you live in or have recently traveled through California, Nevada, Arizona, or Washington, and purchased any quick-to-eat foods from convenience stores or vending machines, check the packaging for the following:
- Brand names: Fresh & Ready, City Point, Fresh Take
- “Use by” dates: May 19, 2025, or earlier
If you find a match, do not eat it. Throw it away immediately or return it to the place of purchase.
If you feel unwell—especially if you’re pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system—seek medical advice.