by Washington, D.C. — A nationwide listeria outbreak traced to contaminated ready-to-eat pasta meals has now caused six deaths and left 27 people hospitalized across 18 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Widespread Recall and Public Health Warning
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for potentially tainted products made by Nate’s Fine Foods, the manufacturer at the center of the outbreak.
In a September 29 statement, the company confirmed that listeria monocytogenes had been detected in several of its pasta dishes, prompting a nationwide recall of more than 245,000 pounds of products, including fettuccine, linguine, and penne.
Initially, the recall was issued “out of an abundance of caution,” but it has since expanded following multiple confirmed deaths and hospitalizations.
Fatalities Reported in Six States
Deaths have been recorded in Utah, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Oregon, and Hawaii. Health officials also confirmed that the outbreak was linked to the loss of one woman’s pregnancy, according to Newsweek.
Federal investigators have identified FreshRealm, a food manufacturing company, as another entity connected to the contamination. Genetic testing revealed that the listeria strain found in FreshRealm’s 2024 samples matched the one responsible for the current outbreak.
Where the Contaminated Products Were Sold
The ready-to-eat meals were sold under several brand labels at major retailers across the U.S., including:
- Walmart
- Trader Joe’s
- Kroger
- Giant Eagle
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Demers Food
- Marketside
- Albertsons
Consumers who purchased these pasta dishes are urged to discard them immediately or seek refunds at the place of purchase.
Symptoms and High-Risk Groups
According to the CDC, symptoms of listeria infection (listeriosis) typically appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated food. Early signs include:
- Nausea, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Fever and muscle aches
- Headache, confusion, or loss of balance
- Neck stiffness
The infection can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, older adults (65+), and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, listeria can cause stillbirths, premature delivery, or newborn infections.
Ongoing Investigation and Consumer Guidance
In a recent update, the FDA stated:
“Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. does not sell affected products directly to retail. The firm is working with the FDA and their customers to determine if additional recalls are needed. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has released a detailed list of potentially contaminated products. The FDA and CDC are continuing their joint investigation to trace the contamination’s full scope.
Health officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis after eating ready-to-eat pasta dishes to seek medical care immediately.
Your Turn
Have you recently purchased any of these recalled ready-to-eat meals or experienced related symptoms?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — your story could help others stay safe.
