Published: September 30, 2025
Category: Food Safety | Public Health
Source: Adapted from CDC & FDA reports
A nationwide food safety alert has been issued as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigates a Listeria outbreak connected to several brands of pre-cooked and packaged pasta meals.
This ongoing outbreak has already caused 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, and 4 deaths across 15 states — and more recalls may follow as the investigation continues.
⚠️ What’s Happening
The CDC, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), has linked the outbreak to multiple ready-to-eat pasta meals sold under different brands.
These meals may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can survive in the refrigerator and cause serious illness — especially in pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
🍝 Affected Foods (as of September 2025)
1. Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
- Sold in 16-oz. plastic trays
- “Best if used by” dates: 9/20/25, 9/24/25, 9/27/25
- Sold in: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
- Contact: Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817
2. Albertsons Pasta Salads
- Sold under various store brands at Albertsons-affiliated supermarkets
- Sell by dates through September 29, 2025
- Visit the Albertsons recall page for store locations and products
3. Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- 12-oz. trays labeled “Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce”
- Best if used by: SEP 22–OCT 01, 2025
- USDA Establishment numbers: EST. 50784 or EST. 47718
- Sold at Walmart stores nationwide
🚫 What You Should Do
- Do not eat any recalled pasta products — even if they look or smell fine.
- Check your refrigerator and freezer for these items and throw them away safely.
- Clean any surfaces, shelves, or containers that may have touched the recalled food. Listeria can survive and spread even at cold refrigerator temperatures.
If you’ve eaten any of the affected foods and feel unwell, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
🧬 Listeria Symptoms to Watch For
Pregnant Women:
- Fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in newborns.
Others (especially adults over 65 or with weakened immunity):
- Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions
- Fever, chills, and muscle aches
Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks, but can appear as soon as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after exposure.
🧡 Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Stay informed — follow recall updates on the FDA Recall Page and USDA FSIS Alert Page.
- Refrigerate smartly — keep your fridge clean and below 40°F (4°C).
- Reheat thoroughly — ensure pre-cooked foods are steaming hot before eating.
- Be extra cautious if pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised.
✅ Final Takeaway
The Listeria outbreak is a serious reminder that even refrigerated or pre-cooked meals can pose hidden risks. Always check for recalls, practice safe food handling, and when in doubt — throw it out.
📰 Source: U.S. CDC, FDA, and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Reports
By: Yarima.org Food Safety & Wellness Team