Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pasta Meals
A nationwide listeria outbreak has claimed six lives and sent 25 people to the hospital, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The illnesses have been traced to recalled precooked pasta meals sold at major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Kroger.
The FDA, working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed that the outbreak involves ready-to-eat pasta products made with ingredients from Nate’s Fine Foods.
Expanding Illness Count Across 18 States
Since the outbreak was first announced in June 2025, new cases continue to surface. In its latest update, the FDA reported seven additional illnesses across three states and two new deaths since late September.
In total, 27 people have been infected and 25 hospitalized, including one pregnancy-related case that tragically resulted in fetal loss.
Confirmed cases span 18 states, including:
California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
Officials are urging consumers to stay alert, as the products were distributed nationwide.
Which Foods Have Been Recalled?
Several ready-to-eat pasta dishes have been pulled from store shelves due to possible contamination. The recalls affect products sold under multiple brand names, including:
FreshRealm’s Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz) – sold at Kroger and Walmart
FreshRealm’s Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo (12.3 oz and 32.8 oz) – sold at Kroger and Walmart
FreshRealm’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara (12 oz) – sold at Walmart
Albertsons Companies’ deli pasta salads – sold under Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons
Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz)
Demer Food Group’s Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls (9.6 oz)
Kroger deli bowtie and penne pasta salads
Giant Eagle smoked mozzarella pasta salad
Sprouts Farmers Market smoked mozzarella pasta salad
Consumers are advised to check refrigerators and freezers immediately for any recalled products. The FDA warns against consuming these meals, even if they appear or smell safe.
Why Listeria Is So Dangerous
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and confusion — and may appear up to 70 days after exposure.
Because the bacteria can survive and grow even in cold temperatures, precooked and refrigerated foods like pasta dishes are especially risky if contaminated.
What Consumers Should Do Now
The FDA urges anyone who has purchased the affected products to dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a refund. Surfaces, containers, and utensils that may have come into contact with recalled food should also be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Consumers experiencing symptoms of listeria infection should seek medical care right away, especially if they are pregnant or immunocompromised.
For ongoing updates and detailed recall lists, visit FDA.gov or CDC.gov.
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