Fresh & Ready Foods initiates recall of four torta sandwiches due to listeria concerns

In a proactive move to ensure consumer safety, Fresh & Ready Foods has announced a voluntary recall of four torta sandwich products that contain cotija cheese. This recall affects consumers in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah and comes in the wake of a larger recall initiated by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. The cotija cheese used in these sandwiches is being recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful organism that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating due to its association with a recent outbreak.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium capable of causing serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Healthy adults may experience temporary symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, the infection poses a significant risk to pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.

The recall involves torta sandwiches distributed between January 21, 2024, and February 6, 2024. The products were available exclusively in select locations across the four states mentioned. The following products have been recalled:

• Fresh & Ready Ham Torta Sandwich, 9 oz, UPC 8290690707
• Fresh & Ready Chicken Torta Sandwich, 9 oz, UPC 8290690706
• Sprig & Sprout Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll, 9 oz, UPC 8290690720
• Jack & Olive Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll, 9 oz, UPC 8290690725

These sandwiches come in plastic containers with specific use-by dates ranging from January 27, 2024, to February 22, 2024, depending on the product.

As of now, there have been no reported illnesses linked to these products. Fresh & Ready Foods has taken this recall seriously and advises consumers who have purchased any of the recalled sandwiches to discard them immediately. For those affected, the company is offering a full refund and has provided contact information for consumers to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding the recall.

The swift action taken by Fresh & Ready Foods in response to the potential Listeria contamination exemplifies the importance of vigilance in the food industry. Recalls, while inconvenient, are a critical component of food safety protocols, aimed at preventing public health crises. This recall, in particular, underscores the interconnectedness of food supply chains and the need for comprehensive oversight from production to distribution.