The FDA is investigating a multistate outbreak of listeria monocytogenes infections linked to prepared pasta meals.
A growing listeria outbreak tied to pre-cooked pasta dishes has led to six deaths and more than two dozen illnesses across the U.S. Federal health authorities have confirmed that several popular grocery chains have recalled pasta-based products following the discovery of contaminated batches.
Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, as of October 30, 27 people in 18 states have been infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Twenty-five of them required hospitalization. Tragically, six people have died, and one pregnancy-related case resulted in a fetal loss. The reported deaths occurred in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
Officials from the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are jointly investigating the outbreak. They warn that the actual number of infections could be higher since some people recover without being tested.
How It Started: Routine Testing Revealed Contamination
The investigation began in March when FSIS detected Listeria monocytogenes in a FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo sample during routine testing. Later, in September, FreshRealm identified the same strain of bacteria in a beef meatball linguine marinara meal. Although that particular meal never reached store shelves, further testing revealed that the pasta used in the dish carried the same bacteria.
Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the bacteria in the pasta matched the outbreak strain, linking multiple cases nationwide.
Nate’s Fine Foods Expands Recall
Nate’s Fine Foods, the supplier of the contaminated pasta, has expanded its recall to include several types of pre-cooked pasta—fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle. The company does not sell directly to consumers but supplies prepared meal manufacturers and grocery store brands. Nate’s Fine Foods is cooperating with the FDA and partner companies to identify and remove affected products from the market.
Major Grocery Chains Pull Products
Several major retailers have recalled pasta dishes linked to the contamination. These include:
- Sprouts Farmers Market – Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
- Giant Eagle – Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
- Kroger – Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads
- Trader Joe’s – Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
- Albertsons – Store-made Deli Pasta Salads
- Demers Food Group – Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls
- Marketside (Walmart) – Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce; Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
- Home Chef – Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
These products have been pulled from shelves nationwide as a precautionary measure.
What Consumers Should Know
The CDC advises consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled pasta dishes. Eating contaminated products can cause listeriosis, a serious infection especially dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and confusion.
Consumers should immediately discard any recalled meals or return them to the store for a refund. Anyone who has eaten the recalled items and experiences symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Ongoing Federal Investigation
The FDA continues to work with Nate’s Fine Foods and affected retailers to track the distribution of the contaminated pasta and identify any additional at-risk products. Health officials are urging consumers and food service operators to stay updated on recall notices as the investigation unfolds.
The listeria outbreak highlights the importance of strict food safety testing and rapid recall responses to prevent further illnesses and deaths. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure contaminated products are fully removed from circulation.
