Investigation Closes With One Dead in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Foods
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced the end to a foodborne listeriosis outbreak resulting in ten hospitalizations and one death. The outbreak was linked to ready-to-eat (RTE) foods produced by Fresh and Ready Foods LLC of San Fernando, California.
Cases of illness were reported in California and Nevada between December 2023 and September 2024.
FDA identified the issue through environmental monitoring conducted during a site inspection, which resulted in a positive finding for Listeria monocytogenes on a piece of equipment. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis confirmed that the strain of L. monocytogenes found at Fresh and Ready Foods LLC matched the outbreak strain.
The agency reports that Fresh and Ready Foods has taken immediate corrective actions, including removing equipment, to ensure ongoing food safety and compliance with FDA guidance, and that the company continues to work with FDA on corrective and preventive actions.
A voluntary recall of RTE sandwiches, pastas, and snack trays was announced on May 11, 2025. The recalled products were sold in vending and breakroom areas within corporate offices, medical buildings, and healthcare facilities across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. The products should no longer be available for purchase.
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