Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Listeria Outbreak: To-Go Sandwiches Linked to Hospitalizations
A multi-state listeria outbreak, traced to contaminated to-go sandwiches, has resulted in at least 10 hospitalizations, according to a federal investigation. The outbreak highlights the serious risks associated with food-borne illnesses and the importance of food safety measures. Officials are working to contain the spread and prevent further infections.
Fresh & Ready Foods Factory Found with Listeria Contamination
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered listeria bacteria on equipment at a Fresh & Ready Foods production facility in San Fernando, California, which triggered a massive recall.
Extensive Product Recall
More than 80 different products, including sandwiches, pasta dishes, and snack boxes, have been recalled as a result of the contamination. These items were distributed nationwide to a variety of locations, including:
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Corporate offices
- Convenience stores
- Airports
- Airlines
Affected Brands and Dates
The recalled products carry “best by” dates ranging from April 22 to May 19. They were sold under the following brand names:
- Fresh & Ready Foods
- City Point Market Fresh Food to Go
- Fresh Take Crave Away
Distribution and Patient Locations
The contaminated products were distributed to facilities in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. Hospitalizations have been reported in California and Nevada.
Investigation Uncovers the Source
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA began investigating the outbreak in 2024 using hospital admission data and public health information. While the initial outbreak was flagged last year, the source remained elusive until recently.
The breakthrough came in April 2025 when routine testing at the Fresh & Ready Foods facility revealed listeria strains on production equipment. These strains genetically matched the outbreak strain, confirming the source.
According to the FDA, “Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found at Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC matches the strain of Listeria causing illnesses in this outbreak.”
Listeriosis: Symptoms and Risks
Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, presents with a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
- Mild cases often resemble the flu, with symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and headache.
- Severe infections can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, and older adults.
Specific Risks to Vulnerable Groups
Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to:
- Miscarriage
- Low birth weight
- Health issues for the newborn
- Infant death
Other symptoms in adults may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Death
While most healthy adults recover without severe illness, older adults are at higher risk due to weakened immune systems. The CDC estimates that listeriosis results in approximately 1,600 cases annually, with about 260 fatalities.
CDC Investigation Details
During the investigation, the CDC and state and local health officials interviewed six of the ten infected individuals about their food consumption prior to becoming ill.
All six individuals were hospitalized and subsequently tested positive for Listeria.
Health officials confirmed that at least three of the interviewed patients had consumed the recalled products purchased from various locations, including:
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Corporate offices
- Convenience stores
- Airports
- Airlines
The investigation revealed that ready-to-eat products from Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC were served in at least three of these locations.
Current Status of the Outbreak
As of May 9, 2025, ten individuals across two states have become ill due to this strain of Listeria, with all ten requiring hospitalization. Eight cases were reported in California, and two were confirmed in Nevada.
Company Response
Fresh & Ready Foods issued a statement indicating: “Fresh & Ready Foods has taken immediate corrective actions, including removing equipment to address this issue to ensure ongoing food safety and compliance with FDA guidance.”
Severity of Listeriosis
Listeriosis can initially mimic common flu-like symptoms, appearing within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food. However, the infection can have devastating consequences for specific patient populations.
In severe cases, it can cause a dangerously elevated fever, intense headache, stiff neck indicating brain swelling, confusion, seizures, and sepsis (bloodstream infection).
The infection has also been linked to neurological disorders, including meningitis, brainstem infection, breathing difficulties, double vision, and paralysis.
Personal Impact: A Victim’s Story
Michael Silberman, 86, a formerly active senior, suffered a drastic decline after consuming a turkey sandwich linked to the listeria outbreak. He endured weeks of hospitalization with violent seizures. Now, he relies on a walker and is unable to perform daily tasks independently.
His age made him particularly vulnerable to the bacteria, which targets the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
How Listeria Spreads
Listeria contaminates food through unclean water, soil, or surfaces. Once ingested, it survives stomach acid, invades the intestines, and enters the bloodstream.
In Silberman’s case, the infection began after consuming Boar’s Head turkey purchased from a local Publix. Days later, he developed a high fever, and his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to hospitalization for brain swelling, cognitive impairment, and kidney failure.