Primavera Nueva Inc. Recalls Tamales Over Potential Listeria Contamination

SONOMA, Calif. (December 17, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Primavera Nueva Inc. is voluntarily recalling select lots of its 4-count tamales due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. According to the FDA, the affected products were distributed in California and Nevada, and no illnesses have been reported to date.

Regulators said the recall was issued after an FDA inspection identified gaps in production records related to internal cooking temperature verification, a key control used to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes.

Primavera Nueva Inc. recall: quick summary

The recall affects certain 4-count tamales produced between October 10, 2024, and October 10, 2025, and distributed by Primavera Nueva Inc. in California and Nevada. The FDA confirmed the action was taken because production records did not consistently verify that required cooking temperatures were met. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers are urged not to eat the affected products. Primavera Nueva Inc. has stated that corrective actions are already in place.

What happened?

The FDA said Primavera Nueva Inc. initiated the voluntary recall after an inspection conducted on October 10, 2025, found that earlier production records did not consistently confirm that internal cooking temperatures were sufficient to control potential biological hazards. The recall was officially announced on December 17, 2025, in cooperation with the FDA.

According to the agency, the tamales were produced using a frozen ingredient labeled “Not Ready to Eat. Must Be Thoroughly Cooked Before Eating.” In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
No brand	Assorted 4-count tamales	4-count	10/22/2024–10/22/2025	Potential Listeria	CA, NV

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the issue stemmed from incomplete verification of cooking temperatures during earlier production runs. Listeria monocytogenes can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and may lead to severe outcomes in pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been reported so far.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the recalled tamales.
• Discard the product if you have it at home.
• Check the date code on the package (10/22/2024–10/22/2025).
• Contact the company with questions: Araceli Santoyo at 707-939-9350 or [email protected].

Behind the brand

Primavera Nueva Inc. is a California-based food producer distributing refrigerated and frozen tamales to regional retailers. In its recall notice, the company stated that it has “fully corrected the issue,” adding that enhanced cooking-temperature monitoring and verification have been in place since October 11, 2025. Source86 reached out to Primavera Nueva Inc. for additional comment, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

Source86 has reported several Listeria-related recalls involving refrigerated and frozen prepared foods over the past year, highlighting ongoing challenges with temperature control and verification across the category. Recent examples include Face Rock Creamery’s recall of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar over potential Listeria contamination, as well as Boar’s Head’s recall of pecorino romano cheese sold at Kroger, and Wegmans’ recall of Locatelli grated pecorino romano cheese, both tied to Listeria monocytogenes concerns.

Update: Expanded Safety Alert and Consumer Guide (January 2026) Following the initial announcement regarding Listeria risks in Primavera Nueva tamales, we have published a follow-up report detailing the specific production protocols and expanded safety verification steps now being implemented. For a deeper dive into the corrective actions, additional distribution insights for Nevada and California, and what this means for future product availability, please read our latest update: Primavera Nueva Recall Update: Full Safety Review and Next Steps.

“Listeria infection is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It is especially harmful for people who are pregnant, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.” — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital transparency and rigorous checks are.”

Ensuring safe eats

This recall underscores the importance of robust cooking and verification systems in prepared foods. Consumers should promptly discard affected products, while manufacturers are reminded to maintain strict food safety controls.

At Source86, we support brands with ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production, helping supply chains respond quickly and responsibly when recalls occur. Contact us.