Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Pasta Causes Deaths and Hospitalizations

Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate a concerning listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta products from Nate’s Fine Foods Inc. This outbreak has resulted in two additional deaths and increased hospitalizations.

Latest Developments on Listeria Outbreak

The CDC announced that the total death toll has reached six, with recent fatalities occurring in Hawaii and Oregon. Additionally, hospitalizations have escalated to 25 cases, with six of those occurring in the last two months. The CDC reported that the most recent onset of illness was recorded on October 16, 2024.

A total of 27 illnesses have been reported across 18 states since the outbreak’s inception in August 2024. According to health officials, the number of actual cases is likely higher, as many individuals recover without seeking medical attention or being tested for listeriosis.

Recalled Pasta Products

Several ready-to-eat pasta products have been recalled in conjunction with the outbreak. Retailers involved in the recall include Kroger, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Albertsons. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its list of affected items, which now includes:

• Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo – 16 oz (Trader Joe’s)
• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce – 12 oz (Walmart)
• Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – ranging use-by dates (Sprouts Farmers Market)
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls – use-by dates until March 2027
• Store-made deli pasta salads from Albertsons – sell thru dates from Sept. 8, 2025, to Oct. 4, 2025

The FDA has advised consumers check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled products, emphasizing the importance of proper kitchen hygiene to minimize the risk of listeria contamination.

Understanding Listeria and Its Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, a severe infection predominantly affecting pregnant individuals, newborns, and those with compromised immune systems or older adults. The CDC estimates that approximately 1,250 cases of listeriosis occur annually in the U.S., leading to around 172 deaths each year. Infection during pregnancy often results in severe outcomes, including pregnancy loss or premature birth.

The CDC and FDA continue to work collaboratively to monitor the outbreak and advise consumers on measures to take.

Advice for Consumers

Consumers are urged to:

• Check their refrigerators for recalled pasta products.
• Avoid consuming affected items.
• Clean all surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products.

Public health agencies are keeping a close watch on this developing situation and will provide further updates as necessary. For the latest information on recalled products and safety updates, please refer to the FDA’s website.