by WASHINGTON — A deadly nationwide listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta dishes has killed six people and hospitalized 25 others across 18 states, according to an update released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week.
Outbreak Expands Across Multiple States
The FDA, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been investigating the outbreak since it was first reported in June 2025. Health officials say the source has been traced to pasta products from California-based Nate’s Fine Foods, which have since been recalled.
In its most recent update, the FDA confirmed seven new illnesses and two additional deaths since September 25, bringing the total case count to 27, including one pregnancy-associated illness that resulted in fetal loss.
So far, cases have been reported in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
Recalled Products and Brands
The outbreak prompted a wave of recalls of ready-to-eat pasta meals distributed under several major supermarket and private-label brands. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the following recalled products:
- FreshRealm’s Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (sold at Kroger and Walmart)
- FreshRealm’s Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3-oz and 32.8-oz)
- FreshRealm’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (sold at Walmart)
- Albertsons Companies store-made deli pasta salads (Albertsons, Safeway, Vons)
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16-oz plastic tray)
- 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
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Consumers who purchased any of these products are advised to discard them immediately and thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that may have come in contact with the contaminated food.
What Is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is a serious foodborne illness that poses the greatest risk to older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.
According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), symptoms may include:
“Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.”
In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Public Health Impact
Listeria is among the deadliest foodborne pathogens in the U.S., ranking as the third leading cause of foodborne illness deaths, according to the CDC. Each year, approximately 1,250 Americans contract listeriosis, and around 172 die from the infection.
What to Do If You May Have Been Exposed
Consumers experiencing symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming pre-cooked pasta meals are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately and report the illness to local health officials.
The FDA continues to coordinate with state and federal partners to monitor additional cases and ensure all contaminated products are removed from the market.
Stay updated on FDA recall alerts and food safety advisories by visiting race-day-live.com.
