Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pasta Meals Claims More Lives

In a concerning development, federal health officials have reported an increase in illnesses and deaths related to an ongoing listeria outbreak connected to prepared pasta meals. As of October 30, the outbreak has affected 27 people across 18 states, resulting in 25 hospitalizations and six fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), continues to investigate this serious public health threat that began in March. The investigation started when FSIS identified listeria monocytogenes in a routine sample of FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo. Deaths have been reported in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, with one pregnancy-associated illness tragically resulting in a fetal loss. Health officials believe the actual number of affected individuals may be significantly higher than reported, as many people recover without seeking medical attention or getting tested for listeria.

The outbreak took a significant turn in September when FreshRealm discovered that a beef meatball linguine marinara meal tested positive for the same strain of listeria responsible for the outbreak. While these specific contaminated meals never reached consumers, subsequent testing of ingredients revealed that pasta was the source of contamination. Through whole genome sequencing, scientists confirmed that the bacteria found in the pasta matched the outbreak strain. This discovery prompted companies using certain lots of the affected pasta to recall prepared foods and meals containing these products. Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., which supplies the contaminated pasta, has expanded its recall to include various pre-cooked pasta types, including fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle, after a sample of linguine pasta tested by FreshRealm returned positive for listeria monocytogenes. Though Nate’s Fine Foods does not sell products directly to consumers, the company is working with the FDA and their customers to determine if additional recalls are necessary.

The ripple effects of this contamination have been far-reaching, with numerous retail products now subject to recall. Sprouts Farmers Market has pulled its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad from shelves, while Giant Eagle has recalled its version of the same product. Kroger stores have issued recalls for their deli bowtie and penne pasta salads. Other affected products include Demers Food Group’s Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls, Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo, and several store-made deli pasta salads from Albertsons. Walmart’s Marketside brand has also been impacted, with recalls of both their Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce and Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine products. Additionally, Home Chef has recalled its Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo meal. This extensive list of recalls demonstrates how a contamination at a supplier level can cascade through the food supply chain, affecting multiple brands and retailers.

Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly dangerous foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Unlike many other foodborne bacteria, listeria can grow at refrigeration temperatures, making ready-to-eat foods particularly risky. The bacterium causes listeriosis, an infection that primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, infections may appear relatively mild but can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. For older adults and immunocompromised individuals, listeriosis can lead to severe complications, including sepsis and meningitis. The high hospitalization rate in this outbreak—25 out of 27 affected individuals—underscores the severity of listeria infections.

The investigation into this outbreak highlights the critical importance of food safety monitoring systems and the collaborative approach between federal, state, and local health agencies. The detection of listeria in a routine sample by FSIS demonstrates how surveillance systems can identify potential threats before they become more widespread. Once identified, the coordinated efforts between the CDC, FDA, and FSIS, along with state and local partners, enable a comprehensive investigation and response. This includes tracing the source of contamination, identifying affected products, ensuring appropriate recalls, and communicating risks to the public. Food manufacturers also play an essential role in food safety, as evidenced by FreshRealm’s testing that identified the contaminated pasta. These systems, while not perfect—as demonstrated by the illnesses and deaths that have occurred—are vital for limiting the impact of foodborne disease outbreaks.

For consumers, this outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks associated with ready-to-eat and prepared foods. Those in high-risk groups, including pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, should be particularly vigilant about avoiding potentially contaminated products. Anyone who has purchased the recalled items should not consume them but instead return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them properly. Individuals experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, such as fever, muscle aches, and headache, especially if they have consumed any recalled products, should seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers should consider listeriosis in patients with appropriate symptoms, particularly if they belong to high-risk groups. As the investigation continues, consumers are advised to stay informed about additional recalls and recommendations from health officials. This outbreak, tragic as it is, emphasizes the importance of our food safety systems and the need for continued vigilance at all levels of the food supply chain—from production and processing to retail and consumption.