What is listeria monocytogenes? Here’s what you need to know
Learn about Listeria monocytogenes, its symptoms, and important precautions to avoid food poisoning.
Listeria outbreaks linked to ready-to-eat pasta products sold at stores like Walmart, Kroger and Trader Joe’s continue in multiple states, and the death toll is rising.
Since the last surveillance update on Sept. 25, seven new cases of listeria poisoning, also known as listeriosis, have been confirmed in three more states, increasing the number of active cases to 27 in 18 states, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This includes two additional deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to six as of October 30.
According to the FDA report, 25 of the 27 people who became ill were hospitalized, and one related illness resulted in the loss of a fetus. The FDA, USDA, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating outbreaks in multiple states.
The outbreak, which the agency began investigating in June, can be traced to contaminated precooked pasta sold by Neato Fine Foods and used in pasta salads, frozen meals and other deli products sold by several major grocery chains.
Nate Fine Foods said in a statement on Sept. 29 that it initiated the voluntary recall “out of an abundance of caution” and is assisting health authorities during the investigation.
“Our top priority is ensuring the safety of those who enjoy our products, and we will continue to take all appropriate measures until this issue is resolved,” the grocer said. “Nate’s Fine Foods sincerely apologizes for any concern this incident may have caused. We will continue to be transparent and take all necessary steps to protect the health and trust of our consumers.”
Here’s the current status of the outbreak, including which products have been recalled:
Pasta products sold at Walmart, Kroger and more grocery stores linked to Listeria outbreak
Many of the pre-cooked pasta products sold at grocery store chains across the country, sold under various brand names, have been recalled due to the outbreak. For the complete list, see USA TODAY’s previous report.
kroger & albertsons
- Home Chef Heat and Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Sold in 12.5 oz tray packages with a best before date of June 19th.
- Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in multiple sizes and has a best before date of September 6th to September 29th.
- Ready Meal Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad: Sold in bulk packaging with expiration date from September 16th to September 26th.
- Grilled chicken and basil pasta: It will be sold in bulk packages with a best before date of September 18, 2025 to September 29, 2025.
- Penne salad with smoked mozzarella From Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, various weights were sold at deli counters, in Grab-n-Go packages, and at multiple Kroger-owned stores.
walmart
- Market linguine with beef meatballs and marinara sauce: Sold in 12 oz clear plastic tray packaging with best by dates September 22, September 24, September 25, September 29, September 30, and October 1, 2025.
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine: Sold in 12.3, 12.5 and 32.8 oz tray packages with expiration dates on or before June 19, 2025, June 26, and June 27, 2025.
trader joe’s
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo: Sold in 16 oz plastic tray packaging with best before dates September 20, 2025, September 24, and September 27, 2025.
Sprout’s
- Smoked mozzarella pasta salad with sprouts The Grab & Go deli section is sold out with a best before date of 10/10/25 to 10/29/25.
giant eagle
- Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad UPC 256616000000, 246511000000, 246512000000, on sale from September 25th.
Other recalled products
- Scott & John’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Bowl 9.6 oz., UPC 858175003919, best before dates: March 12, 2027, March 13, 2027, March 17, 2027, and March 21, 2027. It will be distributed to wholesalers and operators nationwide from September 15, 2025 to September 25, 2025.
What to do with recalled pasta dishes
Both the CDC and FDA advise returning affected products to the place of purchase for a refund or tossing them in the trash.
Clean and disinfect bowls, cups, storage containers, and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling or preparing food, especially raw or uncooked meat or produce.
What are the symptoms of listeria poisoning?
According to the CDC, Listeria poisoning is the most common food poisoning caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially for the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
According to the CDC, symptoms include:
- heat
- muscle pain
- headache
- stiff shoulders
- confusion
- loss of balance
- convulsions
- diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and/or life-threatening infection of the newborn
- death
The CDC says people in high-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention.
