Listeria outbreaks have been a recurring concern in California and across the United States, with recent incidents in 2025 raising alarms about food safety. As a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In this article, we’ll explore the most recent data on listeria outbreaks in California, their causes, affected products, and steps you can take to stay safe. This comprehensive guide is designed to keep you informed while optimizing for search engines with up-to-date information.
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria is a hardy bacterium that thrives in cold environments, making it a unique threat in refrigerated and ready-to-eat foods. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes can grow in low temperatures, such as those found in refrigerators, and contaminate foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and pre-packaged snacks. Symptoms of listeriosis range from mild fever and muscle aches to severe complications like meningitis, miscarriages, or stillbirths in pregnant women.
In 2025, California has been at the center of multiple listeria outbreaks, with significant public health implications. The state’s large population, diverse food supply chain, and extensive use of ready-to-eat products in hospitals and long-term care facilities make it particularly susceptible to outbreaks.
Recent Listeria Outbreaks in California: 2025 Updates
1. Outbreak Linked to Fresh & Ready Foods (May 2025)
One of the most recent listeria outbreaks in California was traced to ready-to-eat foods produced by Fresh & Ready Foods, LLC, based in San Fernando. As of May 9, 2025, this outbreak has sickened at least 10 people across California and Nevada, with eight hospitalizations in California alone. No deaths have been reported, but the outbreak prompted a voluntary recall of over 80 products, including sandwiches, snack boxes, and pastas sold under brands like Fresh & Ready Foods, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go, and Fresh Take Crave Away.
The recalled products, distributed between April 18 and April 28, 2025, were sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington at retailers, hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines. The “Use By” dates range from April 22 to May 19, 2025. The outbreak was identified after FDA investigators found the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes in environmental samples at the Fresh & Ready Foods facility during a routine inspection in April 2025. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the strain matched the one causing illnesses, which had been under investigation since 2024.
Consumers are urged not to eat these recalled products and to sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with them. Fresh & Ready Foods has taken corrective actions, including removing contaminated equipment, to prevent further issues.
2. Outbreak Linked to Frozen Supplemental Shakes (February 2025)
Another significant outbreak in California was linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As of February 24, 2025, this outbreak has affected 38 people across 21 states, including California, with 37 hospitalizations and 12 deaths reported nationwide. While the exact number of deaths in California is not specified, the state has reported cases tied to this outbreak.
The shakes, primarily distributed to long-term care facilities and hospitals, were recalled on February 22, 2025, after FDA inspections found Listeria monocytogenes in environmental samples at the Prairie Farms facility. The outbreak strain was identified in three environmental swabs from the processing area, and whole genome sequencing confirmed the link to human illnesses. Illnesses date back to 2018, with 20 cases reported in 2024 and 2025, highlighting the persistent nature of listeria contamination in food production.
3. Outbreak Linked to Yu Shang Food (November 2024)
In late 2024, a listeria outbreak tied to Yu Shang Food’s ready-to-eat meat and poultry products affected California, among other states. This outbreak sickened 11 people across four states, with seven cases in California. Tragically, a pregnant woman and her twins in California fell ill, and both infants died, though only one twin was included in the official case count due to testing limitations. Nine of the 11 infected individuals were hospitalized.
The outbreak led to a recall of over 72,000 pounds of Yu Shang Food products, including pork belly, duck, beef shank, chicken feet, and chicken gizzards, with “Use By” dates ranging from August 21-27, 2025. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service identified listeria in a Yu Shang Food product during routine testing in October 2024, prompting the recall. Consumers are advised to discard or return these products to the store.
Why California Is Vulnerable
California’s role as a major hub for food production and distribution increases its exposure to listeria outbreaks. The state’s extensive network of long-term care facilities, hospitals, and food service providers amplifies the risk, as these settings often serve vulnerable populations and rely on ready-to-eat products. Additionally, California’s diverse population includes a significant number of pregnant women and elderly individuals, who are at higher risk for severe listeriosis complications.
The state’s climate and agricultural practices also play a role. Listeria can persist in soil, water, and food processing environments, and California’s year-round farming increases the potential for contamination in fresh produce and processed foods. Recent outbreaks highlight the need for stringent sanitation protocols in food production facilities.
How to Protect Yourself from Listeria
Preventing listeria infection starts with awareness and safe food handling practices. Here are actionable steps to reduce your risk:
Check for Recalls: Regularly monitor FDA and CDC recall announcements. Avoid consuming recalled products like those from Fresh & Ready Foods, Prairie Farms, or Yu Shang Food. Discard or return them immediately.
Cook Foods Thoroughly: While listeria can survive refrigeration, it is killed by high temperatures. Heat ready-to-eat foods to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Clean and Sanitize: Wash your hands, cutting boards, and kitchen surfaces after handling potentially contaminated foods. Sanitize refrigerators and storage areas regularly to prevent cross-contamination.
Avoid High-Risk Foods: Pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, and soft cheeses unless they are heated to steaming hot.
Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, or confusion after consuming potentially contaminated food, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Pregnant women should be especially vigilant, as listeriosis can lead to severe outcomes.
The Role of Public Health Agencies
The CDC, FDA, and state health departments play a critical role in tracking and containing listeria outbreaks. The CDC’s PulseNet system uses whole genome sequencing to identify related cases, enabling rapid identification of outbreak sources. In the Fresh & Ready Foods and Prairie Farms outbreaks, FDA inspections and environmental sampling were key to pinpointing contamination sources. These agencies also issue public advisories and coordinate recalls to protect consumers.
However, challenges remain. Listeria’s long incubation period (up to 70 days) and the fact that some people recover without testing mean the true number of cases is likely higher than reported. Ongoing investigations and improved surveillance are essential to prevent future outbreaks.
Staying Informed
As listeria outbreaks continue to pose a threat in California, staying informed is your best defense. Follow updates from trusted sources like the CDC, FDA, and local health departments. If you’ve purchased ready-to-eat products from retailers, hospitals, or food service locations in California, check product labels for recall information. By taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this dangerous foodborne illness.
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