A Listeria outbreak linked to precooked pasta products sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart has resulted in four deaths and at least 20 illnesses across 15 states.
The recalled products include Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (Walmart) and Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo with specific use-by dates in late September and early October.
Symptoms of Listeria infection (listeriosis) can include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal issues, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance and can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
Why this matters: Listeria can survive in refrigerators and spread to other foods, making it crucial to discard or return recalled products and thoroughly clean any surfaces they may have contacted.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a warning after FreshRealm Inc. found Listeria in pasta samples used to make Marketside-brand meatball linguine. Further testing confirmed it was the same strain linked to previous recalls of chicken Alfredo meals. The outbreak has spread to 15 states, with new cases reported as recently as late September 2025.
The CDC recommends that consumers check their refrigerators for the recalled products and either throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. It is also important to clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated food.
How to Prepare:
Check your refrigerator and freezer for the recalled pasta products.
Discard or return any affected items to the store.
Thoroughly clean your refrigerator and any surfaces that may have touched the recalled food.
Monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis and contact a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms.
Who This Affects Most:
Pregnant women
Newborns
Adults aged 65 and older
People with weakened immune systems
Q: What products are affected by the Listeria recall?
The recall includes Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (Walmart) and Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo with specific "use-by" dates.
Q: What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal issues, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. Pregnant women may also experience miscarriages and stillbirths.
Q: What should I do if I have purchased a recalled product?
Discard the product immediately or return it to the store for a refund. Clean your refrigerator and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
Be vigilant about checking for recalled food products in your home.
Listeria infections can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms.
Proper food safety practices, including cleaning and sanitizing, are essential to prevent the spread of Listeria.
Do you think this recall will impact consumer confidence in ready-to-eat meals? Let us know in the comments!
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