Deadly Listeria Outbreak Potentially Linked to Pasta Meals from Trader Joe’s and Walmart
USDA Issues Alert on Contaminated Precooked Pasta Sold at Major Retailers
Listeria Threat Linked to Popular Heat-and-Eat Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a crucial warning against consuming certain heat-and-eat products containing precooked pasta, which are available at popular retailers Trader Joe’s and Walmart. These products are suspected of being contaminated with listeria, contributing to a growing nationwide outbreak.
Details on Affected Products and Retailers
Public health authorities have identified two specific products: Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, sold at Walmart, and Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo. These items have designated use-by dates in late September and early October. The pathogen involved, Listeria monocytogenes, is believed to be genetically related to an earlier outbreak that impacted 15 states, including California, Florida, and Texas, among others.
Link to Previous Outbreak
The current listeria outbreak follows a June recall of ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals by FreshRealm Inc., affecting products sold at Kroger and Walmart. FreshRealm has since been testing its ingredients, with recent pasta samples testing positive for the same strain of listeria, confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Health Risks and Recommendations
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 illnesses, with most patients requiring hospitalization. Listeria infection poses significant risks, particularly to pregnant individuals, newborns, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems.
- Discard any suspect precooked pasta meals.
- Sanitize refrigerators and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products.
- If symptoms of listeriosis appear, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Trader Joe’s and Walmart’s Precautionary Measures
Trader Joe’s has issued guidelines urging caution and is offering refunds for affected products. Walmart has removed the implicated items from its shelves and is conducting a thorough investigation with its supplier, FreshRealm. Despite no direct reports of illness from their products, both retailers are acting out of caution due to shared ingredient sources.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Guidance
The USDA identified Nate’s Fine Foods as the pasta supplier involved. They supply precooked pasta and grains for wholesale and restaurant industries but not directly to retail consumers. The USDA continues to collaborate with the FDA and associated businesses to assess the need for additional recalls.
Consumers are advised to stay informed by monitoring USDA public health alerts for any further developments concerning these products.
Context of Listeria Outbreaks
The U.S. experienced a similar listeria outbreak last year linked to deli meats, resulting in ten deaths. A subsequent USDA report blamed poor sanitation at a closed facility in Virginia and outlined measures to improve public safety regarding listeria exposure.
