Prepackaged Refrigerated Pasta Linked to Listeria Outbreak

This article used AI tools to compile recall data. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

A nationwide recall has been issued for prepackaged refrigerated pasta dishes after a listeria outbreak sickened 20 people and caused four deaths across 15 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The outbreak is linked to meals containing precooked pasta regulated by the Food and Drug Administration that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Of the 20 people for whom there is information, 19 have been hospitalized, and one pregnancy-related case resulted in a fetal loss. Patients range in age from 4 to 92, with a median age of 72.

As part of the investigation, testing confirmed that the linguine used in the products was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was first issued in June and has since been expanded as additional cases have emerged. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation.

Which products are recalled?

These products were sold in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. While they should no longer be on shelves, they may still be in your refrigerator or freezer. All recalled items were distributed nationwide and carry the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s mark of inspection.

Kroger

• Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
  • 12.5-ounce trays — best if used by June 19, 2025, or earlier
  • Establishment numbers: EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, EST. P-47718

Trader Joe’s

• Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
  • 16-ounce trays — best by September 20, 24 and 27, 2025
  • Establishment number: P-45288

Walmart

• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo With Fettuccine
  • 32.8-ounce trays — best by June 27, 2025, or earlier
  • 12.3-ounce trays — best by June 26, 2025, or earlier
• Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
  • 12-ounce trays — best by September 22, 24, 25, 29 and 30; October 1, 2025
  • Establishment numbers: EST. 50784 or EST. 47718

What should consumers do?

• Do not eat affected foods.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers and any surfaces that may have touched the recalled products.
• Listeria can survive in cold environments and spread to other foods. Return or discard the recalled products.

Listeria symptoms and risks

Listeria is especially dangerous for pregnant women, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems because it can spread beyond the gut, causing invasive listeriosis.

Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of eating contaminated food but can start the same day or up to 10 weeks later. They include the following:

• Pregnant women: Fever, muscle aches and tiredness. Illness may be mild, but listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth or life-threatening infection in newborns.
• Other people: Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.