Listeria outbreak possibly linked to pasta meals leaves 4 dead, expands to 15 states Natalie Neysa Alund and Mary WalrathHoldridge, USA TODAY September 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM 16 Four people are dead and nearly two dozen were hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak connected to recalled readytoeat produ...
- - Listeria outbreak possibly linked to pasta meals leaves 4 dead, expands to 15 states
Natalie Neysa Alund and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY September 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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Four people are dead and nearly two dozen were hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak connected to recalled ready-to-eat products sold nationwide at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Kroger and Albertsons stores, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially reported a recall involving prepared pasta meals on Thursday, Sept. 25, while investigating an outbreak of listeria monocytogenes contamination, which can cause listeriosis and listeria poisoning.
The federal agencies expanded the food safety alert this week, reporting the outbreak is now known to have occurred in 15 states, with a total of 20 confirmed infections as of Sept. 30.
Here's what to know about the recall, including which states have reported related listeriosis cases.
Consumer Reports, the nonprofit known for testing and monitoring consumer-facing policy and products, released its annual risky food report in April, naming the 10 foods of 2024 that were subject to the most recalls and/or associated with the largest illness outbreaks. USA TODAY broke it down further on a what-you-need-to-know basis.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Consumer Reports, the nonprofit known for testing and monitoring consumer-facing policy and products, released its annual risky food report in April, naming the 10 foods of 2024 that were subject to the most recalls and/or associated with the largest illness outbreaks. USA TODAY broke it down further on a what-you-need-to-know basis.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/EBPDvzZ class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Consumer Reports, the nonprofit known for testing and monitoring consumer-facing policy and products, released its annual risky food report in April, naming the 10 foods of 2024 that were subject to the most recalls and/or associated with the largest illness outbreaks. USA TODAY broke it down further on a what-you-need-to-know basis.
">Consumer Reports, the nonprofit known for testing and monitoring consumer-facing policy and products, released its annual risky food report in April, naming the 10 foods of 2024 that were subject to the most recalls and/or associated with the largest illness outbreaks. USA TODAY broke it down further on a what-you-need-to-know basis.
" src=https://ift.tt/EBPDvzZ class=caas-img>Boar's Head listeria outbreak that killed 10. Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy germ that can survive in very low temperatures but thrives in cool and damp places. It can, and will, happily live on foods in your or your grocery store's storage area, and the process for mass-producing the meat lends itself to plenty of opportunities for contamination.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Deli meat is somewhat of a "risky" food as it is often associated with the spread of listeria, such as in the 2024 case of the Boar's Head listeria outbreak that killed 10. Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy germ that can survive in very low temperatures but thrives in cool and damp places. It can, and will, happily live on foods in your or your grocery store's storage area, and the process for mass-producing the meat lends itself to plenty of opportunities for contamination.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Q72zJvb class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Deli meat is somewhat of a "risky" food as it is often associated with the spread of listeria, such as in the 2024 case of the Boar's Head listeria outbreak that killed 10. Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy germ that can survive in very low temperatures but thrives in cool and damp places. It can, and will, happily live on foods in your or your grocery store's storage area, and the process for mass-producing the meat lends itself to plenty of opportunities for contamination.
">Deli meat is somewhat of a "risky" food as it is often associated with the spread of listeria, such as in the 2024 case of the Boar's Head listeria outbreak that killed 10. Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy germ that can survive in very low temperatures but thrives in cool and damp places. It can, and will, happily live on foods in your or your grocery store's storage area, and the process for mass-producing the meat lends itself to plenty of opportunities for contamination.
" src=https://ift.tt/Q72zJvb class=caas-img>cucumbers recalled due to a salmonella outbreak that infected 113 people across 23 states, can become adulterated with E. coli through fecal contamination, which can occur through wastewater, water in the growing area, fertilizer and the proximity of the growing area to livestock.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Produce, like the cucumbers recalled due to a salmonella outbreak that infected 113 people across 23 states, can become adulterated with E. coli through fecal contamination, which can occur through wastewater, water in the growing area, fertilizer and the proximity of the growing area to livestock.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/t9kP3T4 class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Produce, like the cucumbers recalled due to a salmonella outbreak that infected 113 people across 23 states, can become adulterated with E. coli through fecal contamination, which can occur through wastewater, water in the growing area, fertilizer and the proximity of the growing area to livestock.
">Produce, like the cucumbers recalled due to a salmonella outbreak that infected 113 people across 23 states, can become adulterated with E. coli through fecal contamination, which can occur through wastewater, water in the growing area, fertilizer and the proximity of the growing area to livestock.
" src=https://ift.tt/t9kP3T4 class=caas-img>Raw dairy, which is always unsafe to consume and illegal to sell in some states, poses a risk when it's not pasteurized. Dairy pasteurization, or heating milk products to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria, has been practiced since the 1920s and has resulted in illnesses commonly spread via milk, such as listeriosis, diphtheria and tuberculosis, becoming less prevalent.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/AojmsC6 class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Raw dairy, which is always unsafe to consume and illegal to sell in some states, poses a risk when it's not pasteurized. Dairy pasteurization, or heating milk products to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria, has been practiced since the 1920s and has resulted in illnesses commonly spread via milk, such as listeriosis, diphtheria and tuberculosis, becoming less prevalent.
">Raw dairy, which is always unsafe to consume and illegal to sell in some states, poses a risk when it's not pasteurized. Dairy pasteurization, or heating milk products to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria, has been practiced since the 1920s and has resulted in illnesses commonly spread via milk, such as listeriosis, diphtheria and tuberculosis, becoming less prevalent.
" src=https://ift.tt/AojmsC6 class=caas-img>Rizo-Lopez Foods, was shut down in October 2024 after its cheeses were linked to a years-long listeria outbreak that killed two people and made dozens of others sick.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Cotija and queso fresco cheese are made from unpasteurized milk, meaning they carry an increased risk. One producer, Rizo-Lopez Foods, was shut down in October 2024 after its cheeses were linked to a years-long listeria outbreak that killed two people and made dozens of others sick.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/T9WeiB2 class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Cotija and queso fresco cheese are made from unpasteurized milk, meaning they carry an increased risk. One producer, Rizo-Lopez Foods, was shut down in October 2024 after its cheeses were linked to a years-long listeria outbreak that killed two people and made dozens of others sick.
">Cotija and queso fresco cheese are made from unpasteurized milk, meaning they carry an increased risk. One producer, Rizo-Lopez Foods, was shut down in October 2024 after its cheeses were linked to a years-long listeria outbreak that killed two people and made dozens of others sick.
" src=https://ift.tt/T9WeiB2 class=caas-img>Eggs can become contaminated via the same means as cucumbers and other raw produce, especially if they have a cracked shell.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/HJPrfj6 class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Eggs can become contaminated via the same means as cucumbers and other raw produce, especially if they have a cracked shell.
">Eggs can become contaminated via the same means as cucumbers and other raw produce, especially if they have a cracked shell.
" src=https://ift.tt/HJPrfj6 class=caas-img>McDonald's Quarter Pounders triggered some locations to stop serving the burger temporarily.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Like other raw produce, onions can become infected via fecal contamination. In 2024, E. coli-contaminated slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders triggered some locations to stop serving the burger temporarily.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Ahn3ELe class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Like other raw produce, onions can become infected via fecal contamination. In 2024, E. coli-contaminated slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders triggered some locations to stop serving the burger temporarily.
">Like other raw produce, onions can become infected via fecal contamination. In 2024, E. coli-contaminated slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders triggered some locations to stop serving the burger temporarily.
" src=https://ift.tt/Ahn3ELe class=caas-img>Solata Foods spinach recall in 2024.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Like cucumbers and onions, leafy greens are easily contaminated with bacteria like E. coli, as in the case of the Solata Foods spinach recall in 2024.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Z1gMfvP class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Like cucumbers and onions, leafy greens are easily contaminated with bacteria like E. coli, as in the case of the Solata Foods spinach recall in 2024.
">Like cucumbers and onions, leafy greens are easily contaminated with bacteria like E. coli, as in the case of the Solata Foods spinach recall in 2024.
" src=https://ift.tt/Z1gMfvP class=caas-img>major E. coli outbreak in late 2024, leaving at least 39 ill and one dead.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Organic carrots were linked to a major E. coli outbreak in late 2024, leaving at least 39 ill and one dead.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/xrZ4lBz class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Organic carrots were linked to a major E. coli outbreak in late 2024, leaving at least 39 ill and one dead.
">Organic carrots were linked to a major E. coli outbreak in late 2024, leaving at least 39 ill and one dead.
" src=https://ift.tt/xrZ4lBz class=caas-img>millions of pounds of RTE foods were recalled by BrucePac for listeria contamination.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Ready-to-eat/cooked poultry and meat have been the source of multiple major recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. The same issue arises with RTE foods as with deli meat; the conditions they are made and stored under are often ideal for bacteria such as listeria to grow. In 2024, millions of pounds of RTE foods were recalled by BrucePac for listeria contamination.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/mkU5dsF class=caas-img data-headline="See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks" data-caption="
Ready-to-eat/cooked poultry and meat have been the source of multiple major recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. The same issue arises with RTE foods as with deli meat; the conditions they are made and stored under are often ideal for bacteria such as listeria to grow. In 2024, millions of pounds of RTE foods were recalled by BrucePac for listeria contamination.
">Ready-to-eat/cooked poultry and meat have been the source of multiple major recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. The same issue arises with RTE foods as with deli meat; the conditions they are made and stored under are often ideal for bacteria such as listeria to grow. In 2024, millions of pounds of RTE foods were recalled by BrucePac for listeria contamination.
" src=https://ift.tt/mkU5dsF class=caas-img>
1 / 10See the 'risky foods' linked to recent US recalls and illness outbreaks
Consumer Reports, the nonprofit known for testing and monitoring consumer-facing policy and products, released its annual risky food report in April, naming the 10 foods of 2024 that were subject to the most recalls and/or associated with the largest illness outbreaks. USA TODAY broke it down further on a what-you-need-to-know basis.
4 dead in listeria outbreak, cases reported in 15 states
The listeria outbreak was first announced in June, when the CDC began investigating reports of illness.
As of Sept. 30, there were 20 confirmed cases of listeria poisoning linked to the outbreak, the CDC reported. Of those, 19 people were hospitalized, and four died. In one case, a pregnant woman experienced fetal loss as a result of a related infection.
In addition to Utah, deaths took place in Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Associated infections were confirmed in the following states: California (2 cases), Florida (1 case), Illinois (1 case), Indiana (1 case), Louisiana (2 cases), Michigan (2 cases), Minnesota (1 case), Missouri (1 case), Nevada (1 case), North Carolina (1 case), Ohio (1 case), South Carolina (1 case), Texas (3 cases), Utah (1 case) and Virginia (1 case).
The numbers are only the known cases and likely do not represent the full extent of the outbreak, according to the CDC.
Recalled Walmart, Trader Joe's, Kroger and Albertsons products
Ready-to-eat pasta products were sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Kroger and Albertsons stores nationwide.
Walmart -
Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce: Sold in 12-ounce clear plastic tray packages with best-by dates of Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 25, Sept. 29, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2025; establishment number EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine: Sold in 12.3, 12.5 and 32.8-ounce tray packages with best-by dates of June 19, June 26 and June 27, 2025, or prior; establishment number EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770 or EST. P-47718 printed inside the USDA mark of inspection.
"Walmart and Sam's Club are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members and to providing products that are safe and compliant, all supported by our health and wellness, product safety, and food safety professionals," Walmart wrote on its website.
Recalled Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, sold at Walmart.Trader Joe's -
Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo: Sold in 16-ounce plastic tray packages with best-by dates of Sept. 20, Sept. 24 and Sept. 27, 2025; establishment number P-45288 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
"We are issuing this guidance in an abundance of caution because testing of another brand with a shared ingredient source indicated this product may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes," Trader Joe's said in a statement.
Recalled Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo, sold at Trader Joe's.Kroger and Albertsons: -
Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Sold in 12.5-ounce tray packages with best-by date of June 19, 2025, or prior; establishment numbers EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770 or EST. P-47718 printed on the side of the packaging inside the USDA mark of inspection; sold at Kroger stores.
Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 27133000000; best-by dates from Sept. 13 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Albertsons and Safeway locations in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 29492100000; best-by dates from Sept. 13 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Albertsons and Safeway locations in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 27133000000; best-by dates from Sept. 8 through Sept. 26, 2025; distributed at Albertsons, Pavilions, Safeway and Vons locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah.
Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 29492100000; best-by dates from Sept. 8 through Sept. 26, 2025; distributed at Albertsons, Pavilions, Safeway and Vons locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah.
Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 27133000000; best-by dates from Sept. 20 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Albertsons, Randalls and Tom Thumb locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 29492100000; best-by dates from Sept. 20 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Albertsons, Randalls and Tom Thumb locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 21649200000; best-by dates from Sept. 11 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Safeway, Andronico's Community Markets, Vons and Pak 'N Save locations in California, Hawaii and Nevada.
Grilled Chicken & Basil Pasta Extra Large: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 21303500000; best-by dates from Sept. 18 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Carrs-Safeway, Eagle and Safeway locations in Alaska.
Ready Meals Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 29130800000; best-by dates from Sept. 18 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at Carrs-Safeway, Eagle and Safeway locations in Alaska.
Ready Meals Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 21142600000; best-by dates from Sept. 16 through Sept. 26, 2025; distributed at United, Amigos, Market Street and Albertsons Market locations in New Mexico and Texas.
Ready Meals Basil Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packages labeled with product code 21191300000; best-by dates from Sept. 16 through Sept. 29, 2025; distributed at United, Amigos, Market Street and Albertsons Market locations in New Mexico and Texas.
Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo products sold at Kroger are part of the listeria recall.What to do with recalled pasta meals
Both the CDC and FDA advise returning affected products to the place of purchase for a refund or tossing them in the trash.
Wash and sanitize bowls, cups, storage containers and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Always thoroughly wash your hands after handling and preparing food, especially raw or uncooked products.
What are the symptoms of listeria poisoning?
Listeria poisoning is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the CDC. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women.
Per the CDC, symptoms include:
Fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Loss of balance
Convulsions
Diarrhea
Other gastrointestinal symptoms
Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
Death
Those in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care, according to the CDC.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trader Joe's, Walmart pasta meals possibly linked to listeria deaths
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