Fresh & Ready Foods, a provider of pre-packaged meals and snack items, has voluntarily initiated a recall of a selection of its ready-to-eat (RTE) sandwiches and snack products. The recall affects items distributed across four states—Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington—due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacterium known to pose significant health risks.
Details of the Recall
The recall involves products that were distributed between April 18, 2025, and April 28, 2025. These ready-to-eat items were primarily sold and stocked in vending machines and breakroom coolers located in corporate offices, medical buildings, and healthcare facilities throughout the affected states.
According to Fresh & Ready Foods, the voluntary recall is limited to products marked with “Use By” dates ranging from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025. Sandwiches These dates are prominently displayed on the front of each product’s packaging, just below the “Net Weight” label, making them easy for consumers to identify.
The company emphasized that this measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution, and no illnesses linked to these products have been reported as of the time of the announcement. Sandwiches Nonetheless, the recall is a proactive step in prioritizing public safety.
Discovery of the Issue
The potential contamination was discovered during a routine inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During an environmental monitoring process conducted at one of the Fresh & Ready Foods production sites, Listeria monocytogenes was detected on a piece of equipment. Sandwiches Although no finished products tested positive, the presence of the bacterium in the production environment prompted immediate action.
In response to the FDA’s findings, Fresh & Ready Foods undertook a series of corrective measures. These included the removal of the contaminated equipment from their processing area and a thorough sanitation of the facility. Sandwiches The company also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining compliance with FDA safety protocols and guidelines.
About Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous to certain high-risk populations. These include:
- Pregnant women, for whom the infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
- Elderly individuals, whose weakened immune systems make them more vulnerable.
- Young children and immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV, or managing chronic illnesses.
While healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, in vulnerable populations the infection can lead to more severe complications, including septicemia and meningitis.
Given the potential severity of listeriosis, the company urges all consumers—particularly those in at-risk categories—to take the recall seriously and check their purchased products carefully.
Safety Measures for Consumers
Consumers who have purchased any of the affected items are advised to:
- Check the “Use By” dates on their product packaging to determine if their item falls within the recalled range (4/22/2025 – 5/19/2025).
- Immediately discard any product that matches the affected dates, even if it looks or smells normal.
- Avoid consuming the product, as even small quantities of Listeria can be harmful, especially to high-risk individuals.
Consumers who may have consumed the product and are experiencing symptoms associated with listeriosis should consult their healthcare provider immediately.
Consumer Support and Refunds
Fresh & Ready Foods has made customer support available for those seeking information about the recall or desiring a refund for recalled items. Consumers may:
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: 1-855-424-8390, Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Consumers contacting the support line can receive answers to questions about the recall and instructions for obtaining a full refund. The company encourages anyone with concerns to reach out, even if they are unsure whether their product is affected.
Company Response and Commitment to Food Safety
Fresh & Ready Foods has underscored that it holds food safety as a top priority and takes the potential contamination seriously. The company has voluntarily taken all necessary steps in cooperation with the FDA to prevent further risk and to ensure that any affected products are removed from the marketplace promptly.
According to a spokesperson for Fresh & Ready Foods:
“The safety of our consumers is at the heart of our mission. Although no illness has been reported, we are taking every precaution to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. We appreciate the FDA’s diligence and have acted swiftly to correct the issue.”
The company is currently conducting a full internal review of its sanitation protocols, equipment maintenance schedules, and employee training to prevent similar incidents in the future. These proactive steps are part of a broader commitment to strengthening the company’s food safety infrastructure.
FDA Oversight and Public Notification
This recall has been issued with the full knowledge and oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which continues to monitor the situation and work with Fresh & Ready Foods to ensure the protection of public health.
The FDA has not reported any confirmed cases of illness associated with the recalled products, but it will remain engaged in oversight activities and will provide updates should further actions be required.
Product Identification
To aid in identifying the affected products, Fresh & Ready Foods has made product labels available for public reference. These labels are attached to the recall notification and can help consumers ensure they correctly identify the recalled items.
If any consumer is uncertain whether their purchased item is affected, they are encouraged to consult the label or reach out to the recall support line for clarification.
For more updates and detailed information about this recall, consumers can also visit the official FDA recall webpage or monitor local public health announcements.
