Urgent Alert: Listeria Outbreak Hospitalizes Over 10 in California and Nevada – What You Need to Know

At least ten people have been hospitalized in California and Nevada due to a listeria outbreak. This situation is currently being investigated by the FDA and CDC. Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California, has voluntarily recalled over 80 ready-to-eat products, including sandwiches, snack boxes, and pastas. The affected items have best-by dates ranging from April 22 to May 19, and they bear brand names like Fresh & Ready Foods and City Point Market Fresh Food to Go.

These products were distributed in various locations, such as hospitals, hotels, and airports, across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. The investigation began in 2024 but reopened in April 2025 after listeria was detected in environmental samples from Fresh & Ready Foods.

The FDA noted that whole genome sequencing helped link the strain of listeria found in the company’s facility to the illnesses reported. Fresh & Ready Foods has responded by removing certain equipment to enhance safety measures and ensure compliance with FDA guidelines.

Among the hospitalized cases, eight are in California and two in Nevada. Symptoms of listeriosis, a serious infection caused by listeria, can start within two weeks of consuming contaminated food. These symptoms include fever, nausea, muscle aches, and diarrhea. Listeria poses a higher risk for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

It’s crucial for anyone who may have purchased the recalled products to sanitize any areas they might have touched, as listeria can spread easily. Users on social media have expressed concern about the outbreak, prompting discussions on food safety and the measures food companies take to prevent contamination.

According to the CDC, listeria outbreaks have been on the rise, partly due to increased awareness and improved detection methods. Recent data suggests that listeria infections remain a significant public health concern, with an estimated 1,600 illnesses reported annually in the United States.

The CDC recommends that at-risk groups consult with healthcare professionals if they experience symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated foods. Taking precautions in food handling and preparation can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

For more detailed health guidelines, you can refer to the CDC’s page on listeria.

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