A widespread listeria outbreak traced to contaminated ready-to-eat meals has resulted in at least six deaths and 27 hospitalizations across 18 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to inspect their freezers for potentially affected items tied to the ongoing infections.Nate’s Fine Foods, the company behind the products connected to the outbreak, issued a statement on September 29 confirming that listeria was found in some of its food products.Listeria Outbreak Expands Across States, Linked to Ready-to-Eat Pasta ProductsThe number of deaths has increased in the ongoing listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat pasta dishes sold at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seven new cases of listeria infection have been confirmed in three additional states since the previous update on September 25. The outbreak has now affected 27 people across 18 states and caused six deaths as of October 30.Of those infected, 25 required hospitalization, and one case involved a pregnancy-related loss, the FDA noted. The FDA, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continues to investigate the nationwide outbreak.The investigation, which began in June, has traced the outbreak to contaminated precooked pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. The tainted pasta was used in a variety of ready-to-eat items, including pasta salads, frozen meals, and deli products distributed through several major grocery chains.What Is Listeria?Listeria is a harmful bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious infection spread through contaminated food. It is commonly found in soil, water, and various ready-to-eat items such as deli meats, soft cheeses, and prepackaged meals like the recently recalled pasta sold at Walmart. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can survive and multiply in cold environments, including refrigerators, which is why safe food storage and thorough cooking are essential, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Who Is Most at Risk from Listeria?Although anyone can become infected, certain people face a greater risk of complications. These include pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.Symptoms of listeriosis usually appear within two weeks of eating contaminated food. The illness often starts with digestive discomfort, including nausea or diarrhea, and can progress to more severe signs such as fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.Full List of Recalled Products Linked to Listeria OutbreakAccording to The Associated Press, the following ready-to-eat meals have been recalled due to potential Listeria contamination:Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – sold from deli or Grab & Go section; best-by dates Oct. 10–29Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – expiration dates Sept. 30–Oct. 7Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads – sold Aug. 29–Oct. 2Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls (9.6 oz) – best if used by Mar. 12, 13, 17, and 21, 2027Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz) – best if used by Sept. 20, 24, 27, 28; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10Albertsons Deli Pasta Salads – sell through dates Sept. 8–Oct. 4Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12 oz) – best-by Sept. 22, 24, 25; Sept. 29–Oct. 1Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3 oz) – best-by June 26 or earlier; (32.8 oz) – best-by June 27 or earlierHome Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz) – best-by June 19 or earlier
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