Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Pasta Meals Sickens 27 Across 18 States
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A multistate outbreak of Listeria infections, connected to prepared meals containing pre-cooked pasta, has expanded, with health officials reporting seven new illnesses adn two additional deaths as of yesterday, October 17, 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the outbreak,which has now impacted individuals in 18 states.
Did you know? – Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil, water, and some animals. It can contaminate various foods, including processed meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and, as seen here, prepared meals. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness.
Rising Toll and Vulnerable Populations
To date, a total of 27 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria monocytogenes, with 25 requiring hospitalization. Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in six deaths, reported in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. A particularly heartbreaking outcome of the outbreak is one pregnancy-associated infection that led to fetal loss.
The illnesses began appearing as early as August 6, 2024, and as recently as October 16, 2025, indicating the outbreak is ongoing. Those most vulnerable to severe illness from Listeria include older adults,young children,individuals with weakened immune systems,and pregnant women. “Even a mild illness in pregnant women can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth,” health officials warn. The median age of those infected is 74 years, and approximately two-thirds of those sickened are women.
Pro tip: – To reduce your risk of Listeria, thoroughly cook raw foods from animal sources, such as beef, poultry, and seafood.Wash raw vegetables and fruits well before eating. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products. Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should be especially cautious.
Source Identified: Pre-Cooked Pasta and Recalls
The investigation has traced the outbreak to prepared meals containing pre-cooked pasta manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods. Notably, Nate’s Fine Foods does not directly sell products to consumers. The company initially expanded a recall on September 30, after a sample of linguini from a frozen meal produced by freshrealm tested positive for the outbreak strain. This strain matched one previously identified in a FreshRealm chicken alfredo meal.
According to the CDC, interviews with 13 individuals affected by the outbreak revealed that seven had consumed precooked meals purchased from Walmart and Kroger, while four specifically reported eating chicken fettuccine alfredo. Two additional individuals reported consuming deli salads from other stores.
Several products have been recalled as a result of the investigation, including:
- Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
- Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini bowls
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
Reader question: – Have you or someone you know been affected by a food recall? What steps did you take to ensure your safety? Share your experiences and thoughts on food safety practices in the comments.
Ongoing Investigation and Consumer Advice
“CDC and states are working to get information on weather sick people ate recalled food or if additional foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” the FDA stated. Consumers are strongly advised to “double check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled foods.”
