A nationwide Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to precooked pasta meals has resulted in six deaths and 27 reported illnesses across 18 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contamination has been traced to precooked pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. The outbreak, which began in August 2024, continues to raise serious public health concerns, with the most recent illness reported on October 16, 2025.

The latest fatalities occurred in Hawaii and Oregon, adding to previous deaths in Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Utah. Among those affected, one pregnant individual’s illness tragically resulted in the death of their fetus.

In September 2025, Nate’s Fine Foods issued a recall of nearly 245,000 pounds (111,130 kilograms) of various pasta products, including linguine, fettuccine, and penne. The recalled pasta was distributed to major food manufacturers producing ready-to-eat meals and pasta salads, which were later sold through national grocery chains such as Walmart and Trader Joe’s.

The recall followed laboratory testing that confirmed pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods contained the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes found in contaminated chicken fettuccine Alfredo and meatball linguine products. Genetic sequencing conducted by FreshRealm, a San Clemente, California-based producer of these meals, verified the direct connection to the outbreak.

Expanded Product Recalls:
Several major grocery retailers have subsequently recalled products made with the affected pasta. These include:

1. Sprouts Farmers Market – Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad sold at deli counters and Grab & Go sections with best-by dates from October 10 to October 29.
2. Giant Eagle – Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad with expiration dates from September 30 through October 7.
3. Kroger – Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads sold between August 29 and October 2.
4. Scott & Jon’s – Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls (9.6 oz) with best-if-used-by dates of March 12, 13, 17, and 21, 2027.
5. Trader Joe’s – Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz) with best-if-used-by dates of September 20, 24, 27, 28, October 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10.
6. Albertsons – Store-made deli pasta salads sold with sell-through dates from September 8 to October 4.
7. Marketside – Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12 oz) with best-by dates of September 22, 24, 25, and September 29 to October 1.

Public Health Response:
The CDC is coordinating with state health departments to determine whether individuals affected by the outbreak consumed recalled foods or if additional products may also be contaminated. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are actively investigating the source and extent of contamination.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled items. Products identified as part of the recall should be discarded immediately or returned to the store for a refund. Authorities also recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled foods to prevent cross-contamination.

About Listeria Infection:
Listeria monocytogenes infection, known as listeriosis, primarily affects pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. For pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns.

Current Situation:
With the outbreak still under investigation, public health officials emphasize the importance of food safety vigilance. Consumers are urged to stay updated through official CDC and FDA communications and avoid consuming any of the recalled pasta products.