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A recent Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in the United States has been traced back to ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks produced by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, prompting a wide-scale voluntary recall of more than 80 food items. The products were distributed across retail stores, hospitals, hotels, airports, and airlines in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, according to federal health officials.
So far, 10 people have been hospitalised, with cases reported in California and Nevada, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The outbreak is believed to have started as far back as December 2023, but was only recently linked to specific food items.

What Products Were Recalled?

The recall applies to products sold between April 18 and April 25, with “Use By” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19. The affected items include sandwiches and snacks sold under brand names such as:

• Fresh & Ready Foods

• City Point Market Fresh Food to Go

• Fresh Take Crave Away

Federal health agencies are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and discard or return any recalled items. Additionally, it’s recommended that any surfaces or containers that come into contact with these foods be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

What is Listeria and How Does it Spread?

Listeria is a resilient and potentially deadly bacterium that thrives in moist environments such as soil, water, and decaying plant matter. It can also be carried by some animals and spread through contaminated food during harvesting, processing, or packaging.
Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can survive refrigeration, making it especially dangerous in ready-to-eat or cold-stored foods. Once it infiltrates a food processing facility, it can be very difficult to eliminate.

Symptoms and Risks of Listeria Poisoning

The effects of listeriosis can range from mild to severe, including symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Muscle aches

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea

• Headache and confusion

• Stiff neck and loss of balance

In severe cases, convulsions and even death can occur. The CDC estimates that 1,600 people are infected annually, with about 260 deaths in the US.
Vulnerable populations include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and the ones with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may appear within hours but can also take up to three months to manifest, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Can Listeria Be Killed?

Yes — Listeria can be killed by heating food to at least 165°F (74°C). However, since the affected items were intended to be consumed cold, this isn’t always practical.
Authorities stress the importance of regularly cleaning refrigerator shelves, drawers, and containers, especially after contact with potentially contaminated items.

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