Authorities are urging individuals nationwide to inspect their refrigerators carefully due to an ongoing rise in listeria cases linked to tainted ready-to-eat meals.
Currently, there have been six fatalities associated with consuming pre-cooked pasta dishes from Nate’s Fine Foods. These meals are distributed through major retailers like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger, and Walmart.
The FDA has reported that since the CDC’s last update on September 25, there have been seven additional cases across three states, as well as two more fatalities.
The total number of reported infections now stands at 27, spanning 18 states. Out of the 26 individuals with available data, 25 have required hospitalization, and there have been six deaths.
The affected meals are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for the infection.
As a precaution, these meals have been pulled from the shelves, and consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and discard any of the recalled items. The recall affects specific pre-cooked pasta varieties, such as fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle (bowtie).
Nate’s Fine Foods addressed the issue in a press release: “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.”
Listeriosis is a rare illness caused by the bacterium listeria.
While most people affected by the infection recover fully, some cases can be severe and pose life-threatening risks.
Typically, listeriosis is contracted through consumption of food contaminated with listeria bacteria, but it can occasionally be transmitted through close contact with an infected person or farm animals.
The CDC indicates various symptoms to be aware of, including:
· Fever
· Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue
· Headache
· Stiff neck
· Confusion
· Loss of balance
· Seizures
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.
For most individuals, listeriosis is a mild condition that resolves without medical treatment within a few days.
Generally, home care involving rest and hydration is sufficient.
However, certain groups, including pregnant women, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of complications and may require antibiotics.
Initially, two pasta products were recalled, and this recall eventually expanded to include six additional items. Among the first affected was Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo.
This product is sold 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 part of the recall, with best-before dates of SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025.
On September 30, Albertsons Companies issued a recall of its Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meal.
On October 1, Demers Food Group recalled its Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini.
On October 2, The Kroger Co. recalled its Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad, which were sold under several of its grocery brands, including Kroger, Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Payless, Ralphs, and Smith’s.
On October 3, Giant Eagle, Inc. announced a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad.
And most recently, on October 9, Sprouts Farmers Market issued a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad under the Sprouts brand.