Additional Coverage:
Urgent Health Alert: Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Pasta Meals Spreads Nationwide
Federal health officials have issued a severe health warning regarding a Listeria outbreak connected to recalled pre-cooked pasta meals sold across major grocery chains. This serious foodborne illness has led to multiple hospitalizations and deaths, prompting immediate action for consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers.
Current Status of the Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on September 30 that the deadly Listeria outbreak, linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals, has now affected 15 states. So far, at least 20 people have been sickened, with 19 requiring hospitalization.
Tragically, four deaths have been reported, and one pregnancy-associated case resulted in fetal loss. The source of the contamination has been traced to precooked pasta used in meals sold under various brand names.
When Recalls Began
The extensive recall efforts began on September 25 when Nate’s Fine Foods, a supplier of pasta for these meals, recalled significant quantities of fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle. This action followed testing by FreshRealm, which identified Listeria monocytogenes in a linguine sample. This recent recall builds upon initial warnings issued in June, when FreshRealm previously recalled chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger due to Listeria contamination concerns.
States with Reported Cases
Cases of Listeria infection have been reported in the following 15 states:
- California: 2 cases
- Florida: 1 case
- Illinois: 1 case (death)
- Indiana: 1 case
- Louisiana: 2 cases
- Michigan: 2 cases (death)
- Minnesota: 1 case
- Missouri: 1 case
- Nevada: 1 case
- North Carolina: 1 case
- Ohio: 1 case
- South Carolina: 1 case
- Texas: 3 cases (death)
- Utah: 1 case (death)
- Virginia: 1 case
Recalled Products and Retailers
The recalls impact several major grocery chains and their affiliates nationwide. Consumers should carefully check their purchases for the following affected products:
Trader Joe’s
- Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz.) — with best-by dates of September 20, September 24, and September 27, 2025.
Walmart
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce — 12-ounce clear plastic trays, marked with best-by dates of September 22, September 24, September 25, September 29, September 30, and October 1, 2025. Packages should be checked for establishment numbers EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 inside the USDA inspection seal.
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine — sold in 12.3-, 12.5-, and 32.8-ounce tray sizes, with best-by dates of June 19, June 26, and June 27, 2025, or earlier. Packages carry establishment numbers **EST.
P-50784**, EST. P-47770, or **EST.
P-47718** inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Albertsons Companies (including Safeway, Vons, Randalls, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, United, Amigos, Market Street, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Andronico’s Community Markets, Pak ’N Save)
- Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 27133000000) — with sell-thru dates from September 13 through September 29, 2025. Distributed in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
- Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 29492100000) — with sell-thru dates from September 13 through September 29, 2025. Distributed in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
- Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 27133000000) — with sell-thru dates from September 8 through September 26, 2025. Sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
- Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 29492100000) — with sell-thru dates from September 8 through September 26, 2025. Sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
- Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 27133000000) — with sell-thru dates from September 20 through September 29, 2025. Distributed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 29492100000) — with sell-thru dates from September 20 through September 29, 2025. Distributed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 21649200000) — with sell-thru dates from September 11 through September 29, 2025. Sold in California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
- Grilled Chicken & Basil Pasta Extra Large (Bulk packages, UPC 21303500000) — with sell-thru dates from September 18 through September 29, 2025. Distributed in Alaska.
- Ready Meals Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 29130800000) — with sell-thru dates from September 18 through September 29, 2025. Distributed in Alaska.
- Ready Meals Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 21142600000) — with sell-thru dates from September 16 through September 26, 2025. Sold in New Mexico and Texas.
- Ready Meals Basil Bowtie Pasta Salad (Bulk packages, UPC 21191300000) — with sell-thru dates from September 16 through September 29, 2025. Sold in New Mexico and Texas.
What You Should Do Now
The CDC strongly advises consumers to immediately check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled pasta meals. If found, these products should not be consumed and should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
It is also crucial to thoroughly clean and sanitize any containers, shelves, or utensils that may have come into contact with the affected food, as Listeria can survive and spread in cold storage environments. If you have consumed these products and develop flu-like symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly, especially if you are in a higher-risk category.
Understanding Listeria and Its Symptoms
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness. Symptoms typically manifest within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can appear as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks afterward.
- Milder cases may present with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea.
- More severe infections can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Listeria poses a particular danger to pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. In pregnant individuals, an infection can tragically result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe, life-threatening complications for newborns.