Delayed FDA response to listeria outbreak tied to Fresh and Ready Foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed the source of a multistate Listeria outbreak, nearly a year and a half after illness was first reported in December 2023, raising questions about the timeline of the investigation. The outbreak spanned multiple states and has been linked to ready-to-eat foods manufactured by Fresh & Ready Foods.

The outbreak reported cases of illness spreading across several states, including California and Nevada. The FDA began investigating the outbreak in January 2024. Still, it wasn’t until a routine inspection in April 2025 that they identified the source of contamination as the Fresh & Ready Foods facility.

The Listeria strain found in the facility was genetically linked to the illness, raising concerns about the agency’s delay in pinpointing the contamination. Experts argue the slow pace of the investigation may have allowed the outbreak to spread further, potentially putting more consumers at risk, as reported by AP News.

The products implicated in the outbreak included a range of ready-to-eat foods, such as sandwiches and snack boxes, which were distributed in airports, hospitals, and other public areas. These products were sold under several brands, including Fresh & Ready Foods, and had been on the market for months before the recall was issued. The recall, which was launched on May 10, 2025, involved over 80 different products, highlighting the widespread distribution of the affected items.

Listeria monocytogenes is known to be particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. For these groups, infections can lead to severe complications, including meningitis, sepsis, and in some cases, death.

The delay in identifying the outbreak’s source has heightened concerns among public health officials, as it puts these high-risk populations in greater danger. In response, the CDC has urged consumers to dispose of the affected products immediately and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of infection.

Fresh & Ready Foods has implemented corrective measures to address the contamination in its facility. The company has removed the affected equipment and increased sanitation procedures.

Consumers who purchase products from the affected brands are advised to dispose of them immediately. The CDC has warned that even those who feel healthy should avoid consuming any products covered under the recall, as Listeria can cause illness weeks after consumption.

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