Key Highlights
- Six people have died and 25 have been hospitalized in a nationwide listeria outbreak linked to precooked pasta meals.
- The outbreak has affected 18 states, including California, Florida, and Texas.
- Several brands of precooked pasta dishes are among the products being recalled.
- The FDA is working with the CDC to investigate the multistate listeria outbreak.
Listeria Outbreak: Six Dead, 25 Hospitalized in Nationwide Foodborne Illness Linked to Precooked Pasta Meals
A nationwide listeria outbreak has claimed six lives and hospitalized 25 individuals across the United States, according to an update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday. The outbreak, which was first announced in June, is linked to precooked pasta meals, prompting widespread recalls of affected products.
Impact of the Outbreak
The FDA reported that since the last CDC case count update on September 25, 2025, an additional seven illnesses have been confirmed, with two more deaths. This brings the total number of infected to 27, out of which 25 were hospitalized as of Thursday.
Affected Products and Recall Details
The recall involves a variety of precooked pasta dishes from different brands and supermarket chains. Notable products include:
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo 16-oz plastic tray packages
- Nate’s Fine Foods’ FreshRealm’s Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz (sold at Kroger and Walmart)
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz. (sold at Walmart)
The FDA advises consumers to “double check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled foods.” The agency has been collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate this multistate listeria outbreak, aiming to identify the source and prevent further illnesses.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. The CDC warns that older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns are particularly at risk. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, which may be preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Each year, approximately 1,250 people are infected with Listeria, and 172 die from the infection.
Industry Context
This outbreak highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the food industry in ensuring the safety of its products. The recall of these pasta meals underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures and the need for consumers to be vigilant about checking product labels and recalls.
“The health and safety of our customers are paramount,” said a spokesperson from the FDA. “We urge all individuals, especially those at higher risk for severe illness, to avoid consuming any products that have been recalled due to this outbreak.” The agency continues to work closely with state and local health departments to monitor cases and provide updates on the ongoing investigation.
In conclusion, this listeria outbreak serves as a reminder of the critical role played by regulatory agencies in safeguarding public health. As investigations continue, experts advise consumers to remain informed about recalled products and take necessary precautions when handling or consuming potentially contaminated foods.
