Company recalls frozen tamales because of Listeria risk

Primavera Nueva Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its 4-count tamales because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Product was distributed by Primavera Nueva Inc. in California and Nevada to retail stores.

The following 4-count tamales, produced between Oct. 10, 2024 and Oct. 10, 2025 are included in the recall:

• Roasted Green Chile & Jack Cheese
• Black Bean Bonanza & Jack Cheese
• Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Green Chiles & Cheese
• BBQ Chipotle Bean & White Cheddar
• Mushroom Spinach & Salsa with Two Cheeses
• Roasted Green Chile
• Black Bean Bonanza
• Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Green Chiles
• Mushroom Spinach & Salsa

The company did not include any other identifying information in its recall notice.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The products were made with a frozen ingredient labeled “Not Ready to Eat. Must Be Thoroughly Cooked Before Eating.” During an FDA inspection on Oct. 10, 2025, the agency determined that earlier production records did not consistently verify internal cooking temperatures needed to control potential biological hazards, including Listeria monocytogenes.

According to its recall notice, Primavera Nueva has corrected the issue — enhanced cooking-temperature monitoring and verification have been in place since Oct. 11, 2025.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled tamales and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.