Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Pasta Meals: 6 Deaths and 27 Illnesses Reported
A recent outbreak of listeria has been linked to prepared pasta meals sold at major grocery chains, including Kroger and Trader Joe’s, resulting in six deaths and 27 illnesses across 18 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has led to 25 hospitalizations, with the majority of cases reported in California, Hawaii, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
The CDC has identified the source of the outbreak as contaminated pre-cooked pasta meals supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods, which has issued recalls for the affected products. The recalled products include a range of pasta salads and meals sold under various brand names, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Giant Eagle, Kroger, Scott & Jon’s, Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, and Marketside. The recalled products have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 20, 2025, to October 29, 2025.
Affected Products and Recall Information
The following products have been recalled due to the listeria outbreak:
- Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad with product use by dates of 10/10/25 to 10/29/25
- Giant Eagle smoked mozzarella pasta salad with expiration dates of 9/30/25 through 10/7/25
- Kroger deli bowtie and penne pasta salads sold between 8/29/2025 and 10/2/2025
- Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls 9.6-oz with best if used by dates of 3/12/2027, 3/13/2027, 3/17/2027 and 3/21/2027
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo 16-oz plastic tray packages with best if used by dates of 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, 9/27/2025, 9/28/2025, 10/01/2025, 10/03/2025, 10/05/2025, 10/08/2025, or 10/10/2025
- Albertsons store-made deli pasta salads with sell-through dates from 9/82025 to 10/4/2025
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz with best if used by dates of 9/22/2025; 9/24/2025; 9/25/2025; 9/29/2025; 9/30/2025; and 10/1/2025
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3-oz with best-by date of 6/26/2025, or prior
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 32.8-oz with best-by date of 6/27/2025, or prior
- Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz with best-by date of 6/19/2025, or prior
Precautions and Symptoms
The CDC advises consumers to check their refrigerators and throw away the recalled food items. Listeria can be particularly harmful for pregnant women, people who are 65 or older, and those with weak immune systems. Symptoms of listeria include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. If you have consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
For more information on the listeria outbreak and recalled products, visit the CDC website or consult with a healthcare professional. The CDC and FDA are working together to investigate the source of the outbreak and prevent further illnesses.
Edited by Aimee Picchi. For more news and updates, visit Here
Image Source: www.cbsnews.com
