Urgent Recall: San Fernando Company Pulls Ready-to-Eat Foods Following Listeria Outbreak – What You Need to Know

Sure! Here’s a rewrite focusing on clarity and engagement:

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Foods

Recently, a listeria outbreak in the U.S. has sickened at least 10 individuals, leading to several hospitalizations. The outbreak is traced back to ready-to-eat food products made by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando. The affected people are primarily from California and Nevada.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the situation. They announced that the contaminated products were sold in several states including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. Various locations, such as hospitals, hotels, and convenience stores, were involved.

What is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of eating contaminated food and can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Severe cases may present headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and even convulsions.

Recent Findings

The FDA’s investigation began last year but gained traction in April when listeria was detected in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods. The CDC reported that the test samples from patients were collected from December 2023 to September 2024.

Interestingly, six of the individuals who fell ill had been hospitalized before contracting listeria. Investigators noted that food items from Fresh & Ready were served at three of the health care facilities where these patients had been treated.

Company Response

In light of these findings, Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily recalled several products, which feature "use by" dates from April 22 to May 19 of this year. The recalled items can be identified under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.

For more detailed updates about the recall and health guidelines, you can check the FDA’s official announcement.

Moving Forward

As this situation unfolds, it is essential for consumers to stay informed about potential recalls and health advisories. Public health officials emphasize the importance of safe food handling practices to minimize risks. Keeping up with health alerts can help you make safer choices when dining out or purchasing ready-to-eat meals.

Stay vigilant, and if you experience any symptoms after consuming affected products, seek medical attention promptly.

Source link

food,health care,public health,recall,news,california,los angeles county,san fernando,crime and public safety