Six dead in Listeria outbreak linked to recalled prepared pasta

Two more people have died and seven others fallen ill in a continuing listeria outbreak linked to recalled prepared pasta meals distributed across 18 US states. The latest figures bring the total number of deaths to six and illnesses to 27, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The newly reported deaths occurred in Hawaii and Oregon, adding to previous fatalities in Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Utah. One pregnant woman’s infection also resulted in the loss of her unborn child.

The CDC linked the outbreak, first detected in August 2024, to prepared pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. The company supplied pasta for ready meals and deli salads sold nationwide through major retailers including Walmart and Trader Joe’s.

Genetic link confirmed

In September, Nate’s Fine Foods recalled almost 245,000 pounds (111,130 kilograms) of prepared pasta, including linguine, fettuccine and penne, after initial tests pointed to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Further investigation confirmed a genetic match between pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods and contaminated chicken fettuccine Alfredo and meatball linguine meals also linked to the outbreak. The connection, verified through genetic sequencing by FreshRealm, the San Clemente-based meal producer, provided conclusive evidence tying the supplier’s pasta to the nationwide infections.

“Nate’s Fine Foods sincerely apologises for the concern this may cause. We remain fully committed to transparency and to taking every necessary step to protect the health and trust of our consumers,” the company said in a public statement.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added: “Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., does not sell affected products direct to retail. The firm is working with the FDA and their customers to determine if additional recalls are needed. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Widespread recalls

Since the September recall, the FDA and CDC have coordinated the removal of multiple pasta-based meals and salads made with the contaminated ingredients. To date, nine products have been pulled from major US grocery chains:

• Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – sold from deli or Grab & Go counters, best-before dates 10–29 October 2025.
• Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – expiration dates 30 September–7 October 2025.
• Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads – sold 29 August–2 October 2025.
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Bowls (9.6 oz) – best-if-used-by 12, 13, 17 and 21 March 2027.
• Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz) – best-if-used-by 20, 24, 27, 28 September; 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 October 2025.
• Albertsons Store-Made Deli Pasta Salads – sell-through dates 8 September–4 October 2025.
• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12 oz) – best-by 22, 24, 25, 29 September and 1 October 2025.
• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3 oz and 32.8 oz) – best-by 26–27 June 2025 or prior.
• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz) – best-by 19 June 2025 or prior.

Ongoing investigation and FDA recommendation for consumers

The CDC continues to work with state and local health departments to “gather information of what ill people ate before getting sick”. Officials are also investigating whether other foods may have been contaminated with the same listeria strain.

Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can lead to severe or fatal infections, particularly among older adults, pregnant individuals, infants and people with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Pregnant people are especially vulnerable, as infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection in newborns. The FDA advises anyone developing flu-like symptoms within two months of eating recalled foods to seek medical advice and inform their healthcare provider of possible exposure.

“People should check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled foods and throw them away or return them to stores for a refund. If you or your family member have symptoms of listeriosis you should contact your healthcare provider to report your symptoms and receive care,” officials said.

Authorities say the investigation remains active as federal and state agencies continue to trace the contamination and remove affected products from sale.