U.S. Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Foods Hospitalizes 10

U.S. health authorities have issued a nationwide alert following a listeria outbreak that has led to the hospitalization of at least 10 people in California and Nevada. The outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat products such as sandwiches and salads distributed by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC.

These items were sold in a variety of locations including hospitals, hotels, and airports across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. Listeria is a highly resilient bacteria capable of surviving and multiplying even in refrigerated environments. It’s commonly found in ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and prepackaged salads.

Infection symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and in severe cases, neurological complications. The most vulnerable populations are older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

As a response to the outbreak, Fresh & Ready Foods has voluntarily recalled over 80 products with "best by" dates ranging from April 22 to May 19, 2025. Health officials are urging consumers to discard or return any affected products and to thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with them.

This incident underscores the importance of strict food safety practices and ongoing surveillance in food production and distribution chains. Authorities are continuing their investigation to prevent additional cases and safeguard public health.

For more information and a complete list of recalled products, consumers can visit the FDA website or contact Fresh & Ready Foods directly.