Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pasta: Know Your Rights and Recalled Products

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pasta: Know Your Rights and Recalled Products

A multi-state Listeria outbreak traced to contaminated pasta has led to recalls of ready-to-eat meals and salads across the United States. As of October 15, 2025, the outbreak has resulted in 4 deaths, 1 fetal loss and 19 hospitalizations across 15 states. If you or a loved one has been affected by this outbreak, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your health and seek compensation for any damages incurred.

What is Listeria and Why is it Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacteria that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While anyone can get listeriosis, it poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeriosis:

Symptoms can appear anywhere from 3 to 70 days after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Premature delivery
  • Life-threatening infection of the newborn

If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming recalled pasta products, seek immediate medical attention. Listeria infections require specific laboratory tests for diagnosis, as symptoms can mimic other illnesses.

Understanding the Listeria Outbreak and Pasta Recall

The current Listeria outbreak has been linked to pasta products manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California. The company initiated a recall of approximately 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta on September 25, 2025, after testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This pasta was then used by various food producers in ready-to-eat meals and salads sold at major grocery stores nationwide.

Which Products are Recalled?

Numerous retailers have issued recalls for products containing the contaminated pasta. Some of the affected brands and products include:

  • Albertsons stores: Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad, Grilled Chicken & Basil Pasta, Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad, Smoked Mozzarella Pasta with Hot Links, Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad Kit (sell-through dates from Sept. 8 to Oct. 4, 2025)
  • Giant Eagle: Smoked mozzarella pasta salad (expiration dates Sept. 30 through Oct. 7, 2025)
  • Kroger stores: Deli bowtie and penne pasta salads (sold Aug. 29 through Oct. 2, 2025)
  • Scott & Jon’s: Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls 9.6 ounces (best if used by dates of March 12 and 13 and March 17 and 21, 2027)
  • Sprouts Farmers Market: Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad (sold from the deli service counter or Grab & Go section with best-by dates from Oct. 10 to Oct. 29, 2025)
  • Trader Joe’s: Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo 16-ounce plastic tray packages (best if used by dates of Sept. 20, Sept. 24, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 1, Oct. 3, Oct. 5, Oct. 8 and Oct. 10, 2025)
  • Marketside: Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-ounces (best-by dates of Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 25 and Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2025), Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3 ounces (best-by date of June 26 or prior; and 32.8 ounces – best-by date of June 27 or prior)
  • Home Chef: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5 ounces (best-by date of June 19 or prior)
  • HelloFresh: Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta, Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers With Ground Turkey

What to Do If You Have Recalled Products:

  • Do not consume the recalled products.
  • Discard them immediately or return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund.
  • Thoroughly sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled products.

Your Legal Rights in a Listeria Outbreak

If you or a loved one has suffered illness or other damages due to Listeria contamination, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. A Listeria outbreak lawsuit is a type of product liability claim filed against companies responsible for producing or distributing contaminated food.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Potentially liable parties may include:

  • The manufacturer or supplier of the contaminated pasta (Nate’s Fine Foods).
  • The companies that used the contaminated pasta in their ready-to-eat meals and salads (e.g., FreshRealm).
  • The retailers that sold the contaminated products (e.g., Walmart, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Albertsons).

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A successful Listeria lawsuit may provide compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Including hospitalization, treatment, and long-term care.
  • Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your illness.
  • Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional distress caused by the infection.
  • Long-term care needs: If the illness results in chronic health problems.
  • Funeral expenses: In cases of wrongful death.
  • Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

How to Protect Your Rights:

  1. Seek medical attention: If you suspect you have a Listeria infection, see a doctor immediately.
  2. Report the illness: Contact your local health department to report the infection. This helps track the outbreak and prevent further cases.
  3. Document everything: Keep records of your medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to your illness.
  4. Contact a lawyer: An experienced food poisoning lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Reporting a Listeria Infection

Reporting a Listeria infection is crucial for public health officials to track outbreaks and prevent further illnesses. Here’s how to report:

  • Contact your healthcare provider: They are required to report the infection to the local health department.
  • Contact your local or state health department directly: You can find contact information for your local health department on the CDC’s website or your state’s health department website.
  • Use the FDA’s MedWatch program: This program allows consumers and healthcare professionals to report adverse events or product problems.

Taking Action

The Listeria outbreak linked to pasta products is a serious public health concern. By staying informed about the recalled products, understanding your rights, and taking appropriate action, you can protect yourself and your family. If you believe you have been affected by this outbreak, seeking legal counsel is a critical step in pursuing the compensation you deserve.