A listeria outbreak associated with ready-to-eat food products has affected at least ten individuals in the U.S., prompting a producer to voluntarily withdraw several items from the market, according to federal authorities.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Saturday, federal, state, and local authorities are investigating an outbreak associated with food products from Fresh & Ready Foods LLC in San Fernando, California. The FDA reports that the ten individuals who became ill were located in California and Nevada and necessitated hospitalization.

The agency stated that the products were distributed across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, available at various outlets such as retailers and food service establishments, notably hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and through airlines.

Symptoms of listeria usually appear within two weeks after eating food that is contaminated. Mild symptoms can be fever, muscle pain, feeling sick, tiredness, being sick, and diarrhea. However, more serious symptoms might include headache, a stiff neck, feeling confused, losing your balance, and having fits.

Federal authorities stated they initiated inquiries into the recent outbreak last year but lacked sufficient evidence to ascertain the origin of the infections; they indicated the investigation was resumed in April after FDA investigators detected listeria in samples from Fresh & Ready Foods that corresponded to the outbreak's strain.

Fresh & Ready Foods stated in a press release that it initiated prompt remedial measures, including the removal of equipment, to resolve the problem.

Six of the ten individuals afflicted by illness were hospitalised prior to contracting listeria, with items produced by Fresh & Ready Foods being served in at least three of the healthcare facilities where these patients had received prior treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, samples from patients displaying illness were gathered between December 2023 and September 2024.

Fresh & Ready initiated a voluntary recall of certain products, distinguishable by their "use by" dates falling between April 22 and May 19 this year, sold under the brand names Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.