Listeria contamination: Ready-to-eat sandwiches recalled in multiple states in the US

Due to possible contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, Fresh & Ready Foods has recalled some ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items sold in Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington, the US Food and Drug Administration has notified."When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company," it has said.

"The voluntarily recalled products were distributed between 04/18/2025 and 04/28/2025 in vending and breakroom areas within corporate offices, medical buildings and healthcare facilities located in Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington.

This voluntary recall is specifically limited to the products with the “Use By” dates from 4/22/2025 to 05/19/2025 as detailed below," the US FDA has notified.

Listeria monocytogenes

Okay, let’s talk about a microscopic villain that can really mess things up—Listeria monocytogenes. It’s not a name you’d hear in everyday conversations, but this tiny bacterium can cause some serious damage, especially if you fall into one of the high-risk categories.

We’re talking about young kids, elderly people, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system.So, what exactly is Listeria? It’s a foodborne bacterium that sneaks its way into your body through contaminated food. And it’s not picky—it can hide in deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, ready-to-eat meals, and even certain raw veggies. The scariest part? Unlike many other foodborne germs, Listeria can grow even in your fridge.

Yep, it’s that persistent.For most healthy adults, a Listeria infection might feel like a really bad bout of the flu. You could experience high fever, severe headaches, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, and even stiffness. It might pass in a few days, and you may not even realize it was Listeria causing the trouble. But that’s not where the real danger lies.The real concern is what this bacterium can do to more vulnerable groups.

For pregnant women, the stakes are much higher. A Listeria infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature labor, or life-threatening infections in newborns. And often, the mother doesn’t even feel that sick. It can silently pass from her to the baby through the placenta with devastating consequences.In older adults and people with compromised immunity—like cancer patients, diabetics, or those on immunosuppressant medications—Listeria can cause a condition called listeriosis.

This goes beyond your average stomach bug. It can spread to the bloodstream or brain, leading to sepsis or meningitis. If untreated, it can be fatal.The scary thing is, symptoms can take a while to show up. Unlike your typical food poisoning, Listeria can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks (yes, weeks) after eating contaminated food to start wreaking havoc. This delay makes it tricky to trace the source of infection and control outbreaks.So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family? A lot, actually. Start by playing it safe with your food choices:Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.Reheat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming hot before eating.Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly.Clean your refrigerator regularly and keep it below 40°F (4°C).Always practice good kitchen hygiene—wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces that come in contact with raw food.Listeria monocytogenes might be invisible, but it’s not invincible. With a little awareness and smarter food habits, you can keep it off your plate—and out of your body. And if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor about foods to avoid. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this quiet but dangerous germ.