Consumers in the United States are being advised to inspect their refrigerators following reports of six fatalities linked to widely purchased ready-to-eat pasta dishes.
The alert follows the expansion of a recall by the US FDA concerning pre-cooked pasta that has been found to contain Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can lead to serious health issues, including severe illness and potentially death.
The pasta products affected by the recall, produced by Nate’s Fine Foods, are available at major retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger, and Walmart.
As of the latest CDC update on September 25, there have been seven additional illness cases reported across three states, along with two more deaths, as per the FDA’s records.
This raises the total number of Listeria infections to 27 across 18 states. Among those, 25 individuals have been hospitalized, and six deaths have been confirmed.
The FDA also notes that one case connected to pregnancy resulted in a fetal loss.
Nate’s Fine Foods broadened its recall in late September to include certain pre-cooked pasta meals like fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle (bowtie) following a positive Listeria test in a linguine sample.
The company issued a statement saying: “Nate’s Fine Foods is committed to the highest standards of food safety and the well-being of our consumers. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling select products after being notified of a potential link to a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes.
“We are in the process of committing our resources to continuing our previously impeccable food safety record by being diligent in our investigation.
“We are working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health officials to fully investigate the source. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of the people who enjoy our products, and we will continue to take all appropriate steps until this matter is resolved.”
The recall initially affected two pasta products, with an additional six items later included. Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo was one of the first products impacted.
This product is available in a 16-oz plastic tray with best-by dates of 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, 9/27/2025, 9/28/2025, 10/1/2025, 10/3/2025, 10/5/2025, 10/8/2025, or 10/10/2025.
Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz were also on the recall list, with best if used by dates of SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025 (USDA FSIS public health alert).
On September 30, Albertsons Companies recalled its Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meals, marking one of two recalls by the company during that period.
On October 2, 2025, Albertsons Companies issued another recall for its Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meals, also sold under its brand.
On the same day, October 2, 2025, Demers Food Group recalled its Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini.
Following that, on October 3, 2025, Giant Eagle, Inc. announced a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, sold under the Giant Eagle brand.
Then on October 4, 2025, The Kroger Co. recalled its Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad, available under various store brands including Kroger, Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Payless, Ralphs, and Smith’s.
Most recently, on October 9, Sprouts Farmers Market announced a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad under the Sprouts brand.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can range from mild, flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions such as meningitis. According to the CDC, the symptoms can vary based on which part of the body is infected.
The CDC further highlights that individuals most at risk include pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In contrast, severe symptoms can involve a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
The CDC advises seeking medical attention if you have consumed any recalled or outbreak-linked food or if you exhibit any symptoms of listeriosis.