CA Processor Recalls Tamales for inadequate Heat Processing Step

Primavera Nueva Inc.,  Sonoma, CA, is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its 4-count tamales because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The products were made with a frozen ingredient labeled “Not Ready to Eat. Must Be Thoroughly Cooked Before Eating.” During an FDA inspection on October 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.  Primavera Nueva has fully corrected the issue—enhanced cooking-temperature monitoring and verification have been in place since October 11, 2025.

This product has heating instructions, but not validated cooking instructions, so the processor is responsible for ensuring the safety of the product to control biological hazards.  If an ingredient is used where there is the potential to have a biological hazard, then a process control in the form of cooking is needed.  From this notice, it appears that the processor did not have a sufficiently validated heating step in place.

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

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/primavera-nueva-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-select-4-count-tamales-because-possible-health-risk

Primavera Nueva Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select 4-Count Tamales Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Foodborne Illness  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Primavera Nueva Inc.
Brand Name:  No Brand
Product Description:  Tamales

Company Announcement

Sonoma, CA — 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, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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

The following 4-count tamales, produced between October 10, 2024 and October 10, 2025 are included:
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

No other Primavera Nueva products are affected.

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 October 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, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Primavera Nueva has fully corrected the issue—enhanced cooking-temperature monitoring and verification have been in place since October 11, 2025.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who have tamales with date codes 10/22 (year 2024) - 10/22 (year 2025) should not consume the product and should discard it.

For questions, contact: Araceli Santoyo — primaveranueva@aol.com 707-939-9350, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm Pacific.

This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge and cooperation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.