Listeria Outbreak from Prepared Pasta Dishes Claims Six Lives: NPR
A severe listeria outbreak linked to prepared pasta dishes has resulted in six fatalities and has impacted 27 individuals across 18 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly all patients were hospitalized. Notably, the outbreak has also led to a tragic fetal loss in a pregnant woman.
Listeria Outbreak Details
The outbreak, which surfaced in June, has health officials increasingly concerned. The affected products were sold under several brands, including Home Chef at Kroger and Marketside at Walmart. FreshRealm Inc., the producer of these meals, initiated a recall as alerts about listeria heightened.
By mid-September, tests confirmed the presence of listeria in some of FreshRealm’s pasta samples. Genetic analysis linked this strain to previously recalled chicken Alfredo meals. Consequently, additional recalls of products occurred in late September and early October, affecting:
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
Involved Companies and Products
These products shared a common supplier, Nate’s Fine Foods, which provided the precooked pasta and grains. Following the recall, Nate’s expanded the recall to include more batches of various pasta types following positive tests for Listeria monocytogenes.
Additional recalls were issued for several pre-made pasta salads and heat-and-eat pasta dishes. These products were available at major grocery retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, and Walmart.
Consumer Safety Advisories
Health officials stress that consumers should discard any recalled meals and thoroughly clean their refrigerators and surfaces that may have been contaminated. Most recalled products had use-by dates before October 10, signifying they are likely still present in homes rather than in stores.
The longest shelf life among recalled items belongs to Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls, with best-by dates stretching into March 2027. Retailers are reportedly removing this product from their shelves to further ensure public safety.
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria infections particularly affect vulnerable groups, including pregnant individuals and the elderly. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. For pregnant women, listeria can lead to severe consequences such as miscarriage or complications during delivery.
Symptoms typically emerge within two weeks of consumption but can appear up to 10 weeks later. Consumers are encouraged to consult medical professionals if they suspect they have contracted listeriosis and report any adverse effects to the FDA.
Recent Listeria Cases in the U.S.
This outbreak is not an isolated incident. Earlier in 2024, deli meat was linked to another listeria outbreak that caused 10 deaths and numerous hospitalizations. The FDA continues to investigate these incidents to enhance food safety measures and prevent future outbreaks.
