Reasons for The Fresh & Ready Foods Product Recall
In April 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods, a Los Angeles-based company, voluntarily recalled 80 ready-to-eat products. The recall was prompted by a listeriosis outbreak linked to the discovery of the bacterium listeria monocytogenes on equipment at one of the company’s plants. According to the FDA statement, the products were distributed in:
- California
- Nevada
- Arizona
Washington
The recall includes products produced under the following brands:
- Fresh & Ready Foods
- City Point Market Fresh Food To Go
- Fresh Take Crave Away
Among them were:
- Ham and turkey sandwiches
- Egg salad sandwiches
- Tuna pasta
- Street corn dipper appetizers
The expiration dates for these products ranged from April 22 to May 19, 2025.
What is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by listeria monocytogenes. Although most healthy people experience only mild symptoms, it is a serious illness for:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- The elderly
- People with weakened immune systems
This disease can have serious consequences, including death. Symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Meningitis or sepsis (in severe cases)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 10 cases have been reported since the outbreak began. This includes hospitalizations.
Legal Assessment of the Situation: Failure to Comply with Food Safety Standards
Companies in the food industry must adhere to strict health and sanitation standards. These standards are mandated by federal and California law. Violations that result in the spread of dangerous bacteria can result in:
- Civil liability to affected consumers
- Administrative fines by the FDA and other regulatory agencies
- Potential class action lawsuits
Even though a product recall is voluntary, the mere presence of listeria on the equipment may be grounds for legal action.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased products from the brands listed above, we recommend that you take the following actions:
- Stop using the product immediately
- Throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase
- Save the receipt and packaging
- Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms
- Contact an attorney to protect your rights
Legal Action: Consumer Rights
Consumers affected by contaminated products have the right to sue for:
- The manufacturer (Fresh & Ready Foods)
- Distributors and stores, if their knowledge is proven
- Logistics companies, if the violations were related to storage conditions
The basis for a lawsuit can be:
- Violation of food safety regulations
- Violation of sanitary standards
- Personal injury
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses
If an illness can be linked to the consumption of a particular product, the injured person may be entitled to compensation. In a similar situation, federal courts in California have already heard class action lawsuits over listeriosis outbreaks. The Jensen Farms case, for example, has become one of the most publicized, according to available information from CDC website:
- 33 people died
- Dozens became ill
- The company was found guilty
Additional Legal Grounds: Negligence and Breach of Warranty
In addition to strict liability, injured victims may be able to file a lawsuit based on a manufacturer’s or supplier’s negligence. In such cases, the plaintiff must prove that the company failed to exercise reasonable care in:
- Manufacturing
- Packaging
- Distribution of the food
For example, if it is determined that the company had the opportunity to prevent contamination but failed to act, this may be considered negligence. Breach of both express and implied warranties of quality may also be considered. In cases where a product has proven to be unsafe for consumption under normal conditions. California courts also recognize claims based on:
- Deceptive labeling
- Concealment of risks
- Failure to adequately warn the consumer of the product’s potential dangers
Mass Lawsuits and Class Actions
When many people are affected by a disease, the possibility of filing a class action lawsuit arises. This allows you to:
- Unite those affected
- Reduce legal costs
- Strengthen the plaintiff’s position
California has certain procedural requirements for filing such actions. These include proof of commonality of circumstances and uniformity of damages. In the event of a favorable court decision, the court distributes damages to all class members. Class actions have been used in similar situations, including cases involving food poisoning and the spread of listeria in the supply chain.
Proper Consumer Action
If you have purchased a recalled product, it is important that you do not consume it. Keep your proof of purchase (you may need it in the event of a lawsuit). If you develop symptoms of listeriosis after consuming the product, seek medical attention. It is also very important to document your condition as this will strengthen your case in the event of a lawsuit.
Seek Legal Advice
If you suffer an injury after eating potentially contaminated produce, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you:
- Assess the situation
- Determine possible grounds for a claim
- Organize the collection of the necessary evidence
Listeria food poisoning can have serious health consequences, so consumer protection in such cases is extremely important. Victims can claim compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Moral damages
Timely consultation with an attorney will increase the chances of a successful resolution of the case. In order to understand your rights, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the following materials:
How KAASS LAW Can Help?
We have extensive experience in personal injury cases. We can help you:
- Evaluate evidence of contamination
- Establish a causal link between the product and the illness
- Collect medical documentation
- Prepare and file a lawsuit
- Represent the client in court or during negotiations
Conclusion
The voluntary recall by Fresh & Ready Foods is only the first step in dealing with the consequences of the listeriosis outbreak. However, it is not sufficient to protect the interests of those affected. Consumers or potentially exposed individuals have every right to seek redress. If contaminated products affected you or a loved one, contact KAASS LAW. Call us at 844-522-7752 for a free consultation. We are ready to help you assess your situation and protect your rights.