Atlanta, GA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its warning about a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to prepared pasta meals sold nationwide. As of October 30, the outbreak has resulted in 27 illnesses, 25 hospitalizations, and six deaths across multiple U.S. states.
The contamination is connected to recalled products from Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., which supplied pasta to major retailers including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Giant Eagle, Market District, and Kroger Family of Stores.
Updated CDC Alert and Ongoing Investigation
The CDC issued an update after confirming seven additional illnesses since its previous advisory. The agency said it is still investigating whether the new cases were caused by already recalled products or new contaminated items.
According to Martha Stewart, Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, distributed multiple pasta-based meals that were later pulled from shelves over Listeria contamination concerns.
“Victims often include pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems,” the CDC warned. “Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable groups.”
While most recalled products are now past their use-by dates, some Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini bowls have best-by dates extending to March 2027 and may still be in freezers nationwide.
States Reporting Deaths and Severe Illness
The outbreak has led to fatalities in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One pregnancy-associated infection also resulted in a fetal loss, according to CDC officials.
As the investigation continues, experts believe the number of infected individuals may be higher than the 27 confirmed cases, since many people recover without medical treatment and are never tested for Listeria.
“It can take three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” the CDC said in its release.
Symptoms and Health Risks
Listeria infections can cause severe illness, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few hours to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Headache and stiff neck
- Confusion or loss of balance
- Tiredness and nausea
- Pregnancy complications such as premature birth or miscarriage
Pregnant women are especially at risk, as Listeria can cause serious illness or death in newborns even if symptoms appear mild in the mother.
What Consumers Should Do
Officials urge all consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately for any recalled pasta products. If found, they should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
To prevent further contamination:
- Discard any recalled food items right away.
- Clean and sanitize all bowls, plates, and containers that may have touched recalled pasta.
- Wipe down refrigerator shelves and surfaces thoroughly.
- Avoid eating any pasta meals from the affected brands until confirmed safe by the FDA.
“Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and spread easily to other foods and surfaces,” the CDC cautioned.
Consumers can view the full list of recalled items on the FDA’s official website or by visiting the CDC’s outbreak investigation page for updates.
What are your thoughts on this growing recall and how prepared foods are handled nationwide? Share your views in the comments below.
