Fresh & Ready Foods Linked to Listeria Outbreak Amid Ongoing Food Safety Concerns

Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC, a San Fernando-based producer of ready-to-eat meals, has a long history of food safety issues dating back to 2009. FDA records reveal repeated violations related to sanitation and hazard management.

On May 11, the company recalled over 80 products after its facility was tied to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that hospitalized 10 people in California and Nevada. This marks the first known recall or outbreak associated with the company.

Between 2009 and 2022, FDA inspections frequently cited deficiencies in hygiene, hazard analysis, and monitoring. Issues ranged from unsanitary equipment and improper food storage to flawed HACCP procedures and insufficient recordkeeping.

Despite these findings—including a 2017 inspection classified as “Official Action Indicated”—the FDA took no major enforcement actions, such as issuing Form 483s or warning letters.

Founded in 2001, Fresh & Ready Foods distributes sandwiches, wraps, and snacks to institutions and retailers across several U.S. regions and is subject to oversight by FSIS, FDA, SQF auditors, and other third-party inspectors.

24-05-2025