Listeria Outbreak in Pasta Meals: Recall and Safety Information

Listeria Outbreak in Pasta Meals: Recall and Safety Information

A Silent Threat in Your Pasta: Understanding the Listeria Outbreak

Imagine reaching for a convenient, ready-to-eat pasta meal after a long day. You heat it up, enjoy the taste, and think nothing more of it. But what if that meal contained a hidden danger? Recently, a multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to recalled pasta meals has raised serious concerns about food safety, resulting in illnesses, hospitalizations, and even deaths. According to the CDC, as of October 30, 2025, this outbreak has led to 27 reported cases across 18 states, with 25 hospitalizations and 6 deaths. One of the cases was a pregnancy-associated illness that resulted in a fetal loss. This outbreak underscores the critical importance of staying informed about food recalls and understanding the risks associated with Listeria contamination.

What is Listeria and Why is it Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a severe foodborne illness called listeriosis. While many people might experience mild symptoms, Listeria poses a significant threat to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. For these vulnerable groups, Listeria can spread beyond the gut, leading to invasive listeriosis, which can cause life-threatening complications.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

Symptoms of listeriosis can appear anywhere from the same day to up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food. It’s important to be vigilant and seek medical attention if you experience any of the following, especially if you are in a high-risk group:

  • Invasive Illness:
    • Fever
    • Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue
    • Headache
    • Stiff neck
    • Confusion
    • Loss of balance
    • Seizures
  • In Pregnant Women:
    • Fever
    • Muscle aches
    • Tiredness
    • Stomach ache
    • Noticing the baby moving less than usual
  • Intestinal Illness:
    • Diarrhea
    • Vomiting

Listeria is especially harmful to pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn. For others at high risk, Listeria can lead to meningitis or sepsis, requiring hospitalization and potentially resulting in death. If you’re experiencing signs of food poisoning, it’s crucial to contact a medical professional immediately.

Understanding the Recent Pasta Meal Recall

The current Listeria outbreak has been traced to precooked pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. In September 2025, the company recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta, including linguine, fettuccine, and penne, which were sold to large producers of heat-and-eat meals and pasta salads. Several national grocery stores have since recalled dozens of products made with the affected pasta.

Recalled Products to Be Aware Of:

  • Sprouts Farmers Market smoked mozzarella pasta salad (Use by dates October 10, 2025, through October 29, 2025)
  • Scott & Jon’s shrimp scampi with linguini bowls (Use by dates in March 2027, 9.6 oz packages)
  • Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (sold at Walmart) with “best if used by” dates SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025.
  • Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (with “best if used by” dates of 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, 9/27/2025, 9/28/2025, 10/01/2025, 10/03/2025, 10/05/2025, 10/08/2025, or 10/10/2025)
  • Kroger stores recalled deli bowtie and penne pasta salads (sold Aug. 29, 2025, through Oct. 2, 2025)
  • Giant Eagle smoked mozzarella pasta salad (expiration dates Sept. 30, 2025, through Oct. 7, 2025)

It is essential to check your refrigerators and freezers for these recalled products and either throw them away or return them to the store for a refund.

Protecting Yourself: Safety Measures You Can Take

While recalls are in place to remove contaminated products from the market, taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your family is crucial.

  • Check Your Fridge: Review the recall lists and discard any affected products immediately.
  • Clean Thoroughly: If you have had any recalled items in your refrigerator, clean it thoroughly, including containers and surfaces that may have come into contact with the food. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and easily spread.
  • Practice Safe Food Handling: Use separate kitchen utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Cook Food Properly: Ensure that foods are cooked to the recommended internal temperature to kill Listeria bacteria.
  • Be Extra Cautious: If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system, be particularly cautious about consuming ready-to-eat foods.

Legal Recourse: Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Listeria outbreak, you have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation. Those who have been affected by a listeria contamination have the legal right to hold negligent food manufacturers accountable. Victims of a listeria outbreak may be able to seek financial compensation for pain, medical bills, and lost wages, among other damages. Potential legal actions include participating as a member of an affected class or pursuing an individual claim.

Who is Liable?

Liability in Listeria outbreaks can extend to various parties involved in the production and distribution of contaminated food, including:

  • Food Manufacturers: Responsible for ensuring that their products meet safety standards and are free from harmful contaminants.
  • Suppliers: Liable if they provide contaminated ingredients to food manufacturers.
  • Distributors: Responsible for maintaining the safety and integrity of food products during transportation and storage.
  • Retailers: Accountable for selling safe food products to consumers.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you have contracted a Listeria infection due to contaminated pasta meals, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Funeral expenses (in cases of death)

Preventing Future Outbreaks: A Shared Responsibility

Preventing Listeria outbreaks requires a collaborative effort from food manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and consumers.

For Food Manufacturers:

  • Implement stringent food safety measures, including regular testing for Listeria.
  • Ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of food processing facilities.
  • Train employees on proper hygiene and food handling practices.
  • Hygienic design, regular deep cleans, and replacement of worn parts are critical.
  • Strict separation between raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) areas.

For Regulatory Agencies:

  • Conduct regular inspections of food processing facilities.
  • Enforce food safety regulations and hold negligent companies accountable.
  • Provide timely and accurate information to the public about food recalls and safety alerts.

Have You Been Affected by the Listeria Outbreak?

If you or a loved one has suffered from a Listeria infection after consuming recalled pasta meals, it is essential to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation. Contact our firm today for a consultation. We can help you navigate the complexities of foodborne illness claims and fight for the justice you deserve.