Listeria Alert: Lawsuits Emerge After Fresh & Ready Sandwiches Recall – Are You Affected?

Listeria Alert: Lawsuits Emerge After Fresh & Ready Sandwiches Recall – Are You Affected?

A recent Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to Fresh & Ready Foods has triggered a widespread recall of ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks, leaving consumers across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington potentially at risk. With at least 10 hospitalizations reported, concerns are mounting, and legal actions are beginning to surface. If you’ve consumed these products and experienced symptoms, understanding your rights is crucial.

What’s Happening?

On May 10, 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods initiated a voluntary recall of its ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items due to potential Listeria contamination. This recall was prompted by an FDA inspection that detected Listeria monocytogenes on a piece of equipment at the company’s facility. The recalled products were distributed between April 18, 2025, and April 28, 2025, to various locations, including retail stores, hospitals, hotels, airports, and airlines in the affected states. The “Use By” dates on the recalled items range from April 22, 2025, to May 19, 2025. Brand names include Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are actively investigating this multistate outbreak. As of May 9, 2025, 10 individuals have been confirmed with Listeria infections, all requiring hospitalization.

What is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a severe foodborne illness called listeriosis. This infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of listeriosis can include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Am I Affected?

If you have consumed ready-to-eat sandwiches or snack items from Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, or Fresh Take Crave Away with “Use By” dates between April 22, 2025, and May 19, 2025, and you reside in Arizona, California, Nevada, or Washington, you might be affected.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Check Your Refrigerator: Immediately inspect your refrigerator for any recalled products.
  2. Do Not Consume: Do not eat any recalled products. Dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
  3. Clean and Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize your refrigerator, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled foods. Listeria can survive in refrigerated environments and easily spread.
  4. Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for symptoms of listeriosis for up to two months after consuming the recalled products.
  5. Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or other flu-like symptoms, especially if you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system, seek medical attention immediately. Inform your healthcare provider about your potential exposure to Listeria.

Legal Recourse: Can You Sue?

If you have been diagnosed with listeriosis after consuming recalled Fresh & Ready sandwiches or snacks, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. You can sue for listeriosis food poisoning if there is sufficient evidence to connect the illness to a food product. These cases often involve products contaminated during processing and sold at grocery stores, restaurants, or other retailers.

Here’s why you might consider legal action:

  • Negligence: Food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their products. If Listeria contamination occurred due to negligence or failure to adhere to safety protocols, they may be held liable.
  • Product Liability: Under product liability laws, anyone who manufactures or sells a defective product is strictly liable for any injuries caused, even if that person or company was not negligent.
  • Compensation: A successful food poisoning case requires a thorough and detailed investigation, expert analysis and advocacy. Victims of Listeria outbreaks may be able to seek financial compensation for pain, medical bills, and lost wages, among other damages. Compensation may include coverage for medical bills, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and other damages related to your illness or death.

What damages can you recover in a food poisoning lawsuit?

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages (in some cases)

How to strengthen your claim:

  • Medical Records: Obtain and preserve all medical records related to your listeriosis diagnosis and treatment.
  • Proof of Purchase: Keep receipts or any other documentation that proves you purchased the recalled product.
  • Report the Illness: Report your illness to your local health department. This can help health officials track the outbreak and identify the source of contamination.
  • Legal Consultation: Consult with a qualified attorney experienced in food poisoning cases. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, investigate your claim, and represent you in negotiations or litigation.

How Can We Help?

Food safety is paramount, and companies have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumption. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Fresh & Ready Listeria recall, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We can help you navigate the complexities of a Listeria lawsuit and fight for the compensation you deserve.