Several varieties of tamales have been voluntarily recalled after regulators identified a potential risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness. The recall involves select 4-count tamale products produced by Primavera Nueva Inc., a California-based manufacturer, and distributed to retailers in California and Nevada.
According to the recall notice issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the action followed an inspection of the company’s Sonoma, California facility. During that inspection, officials determined that production records did not consistently demonstrate that the tamales reached internal temperatures necessary to control biological hazards, including Listeria. While the products were made using frozen ingredients labeled as “Not Ready to Eat,” inadequate verification of cooking temperatures raised concerns about food safety.
Listeria monocytogenes is particularly concerning because it can survive and grow in refrigerated environments, making frozen and ready-to-cook foods a recurring source of outbreaks. Unlike many foodborne bacteria, Listeria does not always cause immediate symptoms. Illness can develop days or even weeks after exposure, which makes identifying the source more difficult.
Products Included in the Recall
The recall covers multiple tamale flavors produced between October 10, 2024, and October 10, 2025, including varieties such as roasted green chile and cheese, black bean, butternut squash, mushroom spinach, and roasted pumpkin with white cheddar. All affected products were sold in 4-count packages. Consumers are urged to check packaging dates carefully and assume products are unsafe if they fall within the affected timeframe.
At the time of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported, but public health officials stress that this does not eliminate risk. Because Listeria infections can take up to 70 days to present symptoms, cases may not yet have been identified.
Symptoms and Who Is Most at Risk
Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In otherwise healthy individuals, symptoms may be mild. However, Listeria can cause severe and life-threatening infections in high-risk populations.
Those at greatest risk include:
- Pregnant women, who may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery
- Newborns and young children
- Older adults
- Individuals with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatment or taking immunosuppressive medications
Because symptoms can initially resemble the flu, health officials urge high-risk individuals to seek medical care if they believe they may have consumed recalled products.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who purchased the recalled tamales should not eat them under any circumstances, even if they plan to cook them thoroughly. The safest course of action is to discard the product or return it to the place of purchase, if applicable. Any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the tamales should be cleaned and sanitized to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Primavera Nueva has stated that it implemented enhanced cooking and monitoring procedures following the inspection and is cooperating fully with federal regulators. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of strict temperature controls and food safety verification, particularly for frozen and ready-to-cook products that may appear safe but still pose serious health risks.
