Deadly Listeria Outbreak Tied to Frozen Pasta at Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Walmart
A severe listeria outbreak has impacted 18 states in the U.S., resulting in six fatalities and 27 hospitalizations. Federal health officials have connected these illnesses to frozen pasta products sold at several grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Details of the Outbreak
The outbreak, traced back to frozen meals sourced from a Northern California supplier, began in June. It prompted a national food safety investigation and subsequent recalls of affected products.
Key Statistics
- States Affected: 18
- Deaths Reported: 6
- Hospitalizations: 27
Involved Products
Recalled frozen meals included various pasta dishes. Notable items linked to the outbreak featured the following:
- Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (Walmart)
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
- Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
- Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowl
Supplier’s Response
Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., the pasta supplier based in Roseville, California, extended its list of recalled products in September and October. The company stated it was recalling items out of “abundance of caution.” They reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted extensive testing of their facility, which returned negative results for the listeria strain linked to the outbreak.
Health Consequences
This outbreak has had tragic consequences. Among the sickened individuals is a pregnant woman who miscarried after contracting the illness. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations proceed.
Recall Notifications
Shoppers are advised to check for recalls on products purchased from grocery stores. Awareness is critical, especially for those who might have consumed the affected frozen meals. The FDA encourages consumers to stay updated on any further announcements regarding the outbreak and related recalls.
