Listeria Outbreak Leaves 4 Dead, Expands To 15 States
A deadly listeria outbreak possibly linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals has now spread to 15 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has resulted in four deaths, 19 hospitalizations, and 20 confirmed cases of listeriosis as of September 30, 2025.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the recall involves multiple prepared pasta meals sold nationwide at major retailers including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Albertsons.
Deaths And States Affected
The outbreak, first announced in June, has now turned deadly:
- 4 deaths were reported in Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Utah.
- 1 fetal loss was linked to a pregnancy-related infection.
- 20 infections confirmed across the country, though the CDC says the real number could be higher.
States with confirmed cases
- California (2 cases)
- Florida (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Louisiana (2)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- Nevada (1)
- North Carolina (1)
- Ohio (1)
- South Carolina (1)
- Texas (3)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (1)
Recalled Products By Retailer
Walmart
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- 12-oz tray packages
- Best-by dates: Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 25, Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2025
- Establishment number: EST. 50784 or EST. 47718
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
- 12.3, 12.5, 32.8-oz tray packages
- Best-by dates: June 19, June 26, June 27, 2025 or earlier
- Establishment number: EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, EST. P-47718
Walmart statement:
“We are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members… all products are supported by our health and wellness, product safety, and food safety professionals.”
Trader Joe’s
- Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
- 16-oz tray packages
- Best-by dates: Sept. 20, Sept. 24, Sept. 27, 2025
- Establishment number: P-45288
Trader Joe’s statement:
“We are issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution, as testing of another brand with a shared ingredient source indicated possible contamination.”
Kroger & Albertsons
- Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- 12.5-oz tray packages
- Best-by: June 19, 2025 or earlier
- Establishment numbers: EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, EST. P-47718
- Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Bulk packages, product code 27133000000
- Best-by: Sept. 13–29, 2025
- Sold at Albertsons, Safeway stores in CO, NE, NM, SD, WY
- Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Product code 29492100000
- Best-by: Sept. 13–29, 2025
- Sold at Albertsons, Safeway stores in CO, NE, NM, SD, WY
- Ready Meals Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Product code 27133000000
- Best-by: Sept. 8–26, 2025
- Sold at Albertsons, Pavilions, Safeway, Vons stores in AZ, CA, NV, NM, TX, UT
- Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Product code 29492100000
- Best-by: Sept. 8–26, 2025
- Distributed at Albertsons, Pavilions, Safeway, Vons in several states
- Multiple additional pasta salads
- Sold under product codes 21649200000, 21303500000, 29130800000, 21142600000, 21191300000
- Distributed at Albertsons, Safeway, United, Amigos, Market Street, Carrs-Safeway, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Vons, Pak ‘N Save, Andronico’s across CA, HI, NV, AK, NM, TX, AR, LA, OK, UT
What To Do If You Bought The Recalled Products
The CDC and FDA advise:
- Do not eat the recalled pasta products.
- Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them safely.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces, bowls, storage containers, or utensils that may have touched the food.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling recalled items.
What Is Listeria And What Are The Symptoms?
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that causes listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening illness.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea & gastrointestinal symptoms
In high-risk groups, listeria can cause:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Premature delivery
- Severe newborn infections
- Death
At-risk groups:
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women and newborns
The CDC advises those at risk to seek medical care if they experience flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food.
This outbreak highlights the serious risk of foodborne illnesses linked to ready-to-eat products. With four deaths and more than a dozen states reporting cases, officials urge Americans to check their refrigerators immediately and follow recall instructions.
Public health agencies continue to investigate the outbreak and may expand the recall list further in the coming weeks.
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