- Date issued: May 10, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on May 11, 2025
- Company name: Fresh & Ready Foods LLC
- Products involved: Ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items
- Issue: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
- Brand names: Fresh & Ready Foods, Fresh Take Crave Away, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go
- Regions affected: Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington
- How to take action: Check “Use By” dates, discard affected items, contact the company for more information
Wanna know more about what happened? Stick around to learn the full scoop.
What happened?
On May 10, 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods LLC voluntarily recalled dozens of ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The news was officially published by the FDA on May 11.
The contamination was discovered during an FDA site inspection, where routine environmental monitoring flagged Listeria on a piece of production equipment. Though no illnesses have been reported (phew), Fresh & Ready Foods took swift action, removing the equipment and initiating a product recall to protect public health.
Affected product snapshot
Brand | Product | Size | UPC / Item # | Best By Dates | Issue |
Fresh & Ready Foods | Turkey & Cheese Croissant Sandwich | 6oz | 1-FRSLBCR001 | 05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025 | Listeria contamination |
Fresh & Ready Foods | Garlic Pesto Pasta | 9oz | 1-FRSLBPS002 | 05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025 | Listeria contamination |
City Point Market | Ham & Cheese on Wheat Sandwich | 5oz | 6-CPM025-CS | 05/09/2025 – 05/18/2025 | Listeria contamination |
Fresh & Ready Foods | Artisan Cheese Bistro Box | 4oz | 1-FRBIST003 | 05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025 | Listeria contamination |
Fresh Take Crave Away | Protein Snack | 3oz | 6-CPM041-CS | 05/13/2025 | Listeria contamination |
And that’s just a sampling—the full list includes over 50 different products. Distributors sold all affected items in vending machines and breakroom areas of corporate offices, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.
What caused the issue?
The recall stems from a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. This pathogen commonly lives in soil and water and can contaminate food products during processing when facilities fail to follow proper sanitation protocols.
What is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It’s particularly dangerous because it can survive and even grow at refrigerator temperatures, making it more persistent than many other foodborne pathogens.
Who’s at risk?
While healthy individuals might experience only mild symptoms, the following groups are especially vulnerable:
- Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infection)
- Older adults (typically 65+)
- Immunocompromised individuals (such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with chronic illnesses)
- Young children
Common symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to over a month after consuming contaminated food and may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Headache
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- In severe cases, convulsions
In pregnant women, symptoms may be mild but can result in severe outcomes for the baby, including premature delivery or stillbirth.
10 common questions you might have
1. What is Listeria and why is it dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in high-risk individuals. It’s dangerous because it can grow in refrigerated foods and cause life-threatening complications.
2. Can healthy people get sick from Listeria?
Yes, although healthy people usually experience only short-term symptoms like fever and diarrhea, the infection can still be uncomfortable and disruptive.
3. How soon do symptoms appear after exposure?
Symptoms can appear anywhere from 1 to 70 days after consuming contaminated food, but most commonly appear within 1 to 4 weeks.
4. What should I do if I’ve eaten one of the recalled products?
If you are in a high-risk group or develop any symptoms of listeriosis, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Even if you’re not symptomatic, it’s best to dispose of the product and monitor for symptoms.
5. How can I tell if my product is affected?
Check the batch number and expiration date against the recall notice provided by the company or the FDA. If your product matches, do not consume it.
6. Can I return the recalled product to the store?
Yes, most stores will accept recalled products for a full refund. Contact the store where you purchased it or check with the company’s recall instructions.
7. How is Listeria detected in food products?
Listeria is detected through laboratory testing of food samples. Companies conduct routine tests to ensure they comply with food safety standards.
8. How did Listeria get into the product?
Contamination can occur at any point during processing or packaging, often due to unsanitary conditions or cross-contamination from equipment or raw materials.
9. Can I kill Listeria by cooking the product?
Yes, thorough cooking can kill Listeria monocytogenes, but since these snacks are meant to be eaten without heating, it’s safest to avoid recalled items altogether.
10. What steps are being taken to prevent this in the future?
The company is cooperating with health authorities to identify the contamination source and has paused production to implement enhanced sanitation procedures and additional testing protocols.
Here’s what you should do
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Check your fridge: Look for matching product names, sizes, and “Use By” dates.
- Packaging matters: All recalled products were packed in plastic containers.
- Don’t take risks: If it’s on the list, throw it out—don’t taste-test!
- Need help? Contact Fresh & Ready Foods at 855-424-8390 or visit the FDA recall page.
Behind the brand
Fresh & Ready Foods LLC supplies fresh meals and snacks to various commercial and medical settings. The company offers grab-and-go options under brands like Fresh Take and City Point Market.
This isn’t their first recall rodeo. While no recent recalls were linked directly to Fresh & Ready, Listeria has been a repeat offender in the industry lately. Earlier this month, on April 16, 2025, Harvest NYC Inc. issued a recall for its 200g packages of Enoki Mushrooms due to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes during routine sampling. Blue Ridge Beef also voluntarily issued a recall on April 11, 2025, following test results that confirmed Salmonella and Listeria contamination in two of its products: Puppy Mix and Kitten Mix.
“When it comes to ready-to-eat items like sandwiches and snack boxes, there’s no margin for error. Listeria is a serious health threat, and this recall is a reminder that convenience must never come at the expense of safety. Every step—from sourcing to assembly to distribution—demands strict oversight. Clear protocols, rigorous testing, and an unshakable commitment to food safety aren’t just best practices—they’re a shared responsibility across the industry.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall is a wake-up call for food manufacturers, importers, and co-packers alike: preventive sanitation and vigilant monitoring are non-negotiable.
Industry Impact Highlights:
- Increases scrutiny on ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and vending machine items
- Drives home the importance of environmental monitoring programs
- Encourages brands to re-evaluate their equipment hygiene and cold chain integrity
At Source86, we’re all about sourcing high-quality ingredients you can trust. Want to chat about how to avoid food safety pitfalls in your supply chain? Let’s connect! Our team is here to help you stay ahead of recalls and keep your shelves stocked with safe, delicious goods.
