Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals leaves 2 more dead, 7 sickened

WASHINGTON — A listeria outbreak tied to prepared pasta meals has now sickened 27 people and claimed six lives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported Thursday.

Federal health officials said two additional deaths and seven new cases were identified across three states since the last update on Sept. 25. The outbreak is linked to a multistate recall involving ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Albertsons, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Kroger, and other retailers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 of the 27 patients have been hospitalized, and one pregnancy-associated infection led to fetal loss. The most recent illness was reported on Oct. 16.

Cases have been confirmed in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The FDA and CDC are investigating whether those affected consumed recalled products or if additional foods may also be contaminated with listeria. Officials warned consumers not to eat any recalled products and to discard or return them immediately. Although these items have been removed from stores, they may still be in home refrigerators or freezers.

Listeria infections can be severe, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Each year, roughly 1,600 Americans contract listeria infections, leading to about 260 deaths, according to the CDC.

Recalled Products Linked to the Listeria Outbreak:

Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad — Use by: Oct. 10–29, 2025
Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad — Exp: Sept. 30–Oct. 7, 2025
Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads — Sold: Aug. 29–Oct. 2, 2025
Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls (9.6 oz) — Best by: Mar. 12–21, 2027
Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz) — Best by: Sept. 20–Oct. 10, 2025
Albertsons Store-Made Deli Pasta Salads — Sell through: Sept. 8–Oct. 4, 2025
Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara (12 oz) — Best by: Sept. 22–Oct. 1, 2025
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3 oz and 32.8 oz) — Best by: June 26–27, 2025, or prior
Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz) — Best by: June 19, 2025, or prior

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