Listeria Outbreak: 6 dead, 27 sick as recalled pasta meals spark Nationwide food safety panic

A Listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at major U.S. grocery chains has claimed seven lives and sickened 27 people across 18 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The affected meals, including popular brands sold at Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, Kroger, Walmart, and Sprouts Farmers Market, were produced by Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., which has since issued a nationwide recall. Officials warn that more cases could still emerge in the coming weeks.

What Products Were Recalled and Why

Federal investigators traced the outbreak to pasta dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo and chicken-based pasta meals, supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods. Routine sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections.

Recalled products include:

• Trader Joe’s Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Albertsons brand)
• Sprouts Farmers Market Ready Meals
• Kroger and Walmart Prepared Pasta Entrées

Officials urge consumers to check their refrigerators for any of the listed products and to dispose of them immediately. The FDA emphasized that even small quantities can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Who Is Most at Risk from Listeria

According to the CDC, Listeria infections are particularly dangerous for:

• Pregnant women, where infections may cause miscarriage, premature birth, or newborn infections.
• Older adults (65+) and immunocompromised individuals, who may experience severe invasive listeriosis, leading to hospitalization or death.

Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can develop as early as the same day or up to 10 weeks later.
Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and in severe cases, headache, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.

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How Many States Are Affected

So far, 18 states have reported confirmed infections, with health departments continuing to monitor new cases. States include Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon, among others.
Public health officials note that additional cases are likely unreported due to the long incubation period of the Listeria bacterium.

Company and FDA Response

Nate’s Fine Foods, the California-based supplier behind the contaminated pasta, said it has halted production, initiated extensive sanitization, and is cooperating fully with federal investigators.

The FDA and CDC are working together to identify whether contamination occurred at the manufacturing site or during distribution. “Consumers should not consume any recalled pasta products, even if they appear or smell normal,” the FDA warned in a public statement.

How to Stay Safe

Consumers are urged to:

• Check recall lists on the FDA website before consuming prepared pasta meals.
• Throw away or return recalled items immediately.
• Clean refrigerators and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated food using a bleach-based solution.

Healthcare experts also advise seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms after eating recalled products, especially for pregnant women and seniors.

FAQ – Listeria Outbreak and Recalled Pasta Meals (2025)

Q1: What caused the Listeria outbreak in 2025?

The outbreak was caused by Listeria monocytogenes contamination in ready-to-eat pasta meals manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., which supplies major grocery chains like Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Walmart.

Q2: How many people have died or fallen ill?

As of November 2025, seven people have died, and 27 have become ill across 18 U.S. states, with one reported fetal loss due to infection.

Q3: Which stores sold the contaminated pasta meals?

The recalled meals were sold at Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger, and Walmart, among other nationwide retailers.

Q4: What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, confusion, and stiff neck. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis, sepsis, or death. Pregnant women may experience pregnancy loss or premature birth.

Q5: Who is most at risk from this outbreak?

Those most vulnerable include pregnant women, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems, as Listeria can spread beyond the intestines into the bloodstream and brain.

Q6: How long after eating contaminated food do symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually begin within two weeks, but they may occur the same day or up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food.

Q7: What should consumers do if they purchased the recalled products?

Consumers should discard or return affected items immediately, disinfect any surfaces the food touched, and contact their doctor if symptoms develop.

Q8: How did Nate’s Fine Foods respond to the outbreak?

The company issued a voluntary recall, suspended production, and is cooperating with federal agencies to identify the contamination source.

Q9: Can Listeria survive refrigeration or freezing?

Yes. Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, making ready-to-eat refrigerated foods particularly risky if contaminated.

Q10: How can I prevent Listeria infection at home?

Maintain clean kitchen surfaces, cook foods thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat products. Always follow FDA recall alerts.