CDC says outbreak traced to pasta meals has ended with 6 deaths

Federal authorities say an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections in prepared pasta dishes is over.

The outbreak has sickened 27 people in 18 states. Of the patients with available information, 25 required hospitalization and six died, according to the Food and Drug Administration. An illness associated with pregnancy resulted in fetal loss.

The samples from sick people were collected on dates ranging from August 1, 2024 to October 16, 2025.

The actual number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is because some people recover without medical care and others are not specifically tested for Listeria infection.

Several varieties of prepared pasta dishes sold under several brands have been recalled during the outbreak. The supplier of the affected pasta, Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., recalled several lots of precooked pasta, including fettuccine, linguine and farfalle (bow tie), after a sample of linguine pasta collected and tested by FreshRealm tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Nate’s Fine Foods Inc. does not sell affected products directly to retail. The company is working with the FDA and its customers to determine whether additional recalls are necessary. Recalled products included:

• Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – use product by dates 10/10/25 – 10/29/25 (Sprouts Farmers Market Recall)
• Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – Best before dates 09/30/25 – 10/7/25 (Giant Eagle Recall)
• Kroger stores recalled bowtie and penne deli salads – sold from AUGUST 29, 2025 to OCT 2, 2025 (Kroger recall)
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls 9.6 oz – best if used by dates 03/12/2027, 03/13/2027, 03/17/2027, 03/21/2027 (Recall of the Demers Food Group)
• Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo, in 16 oz plastic tubs with expiration dates if used by 09/20/2025, 09/24/2025, 09/27/2025, 09/28/2025, 10/01/2025, 03/10/2025, 05/10/2025, 10/08/2025, or 10/10/2025 (USDA FSIS Public Health Alert)
• Albertsons stores have recalled store-made deli pasta salads – sell-by dates SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 through OCT 4-25 (Recall of the Albertsons)
• Market Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce 12 oz. – preferable if used before September 22, 2025; SEPTEMBER 24, 2025; SEPTEMBER 25, 2025; September 29, 2025; SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; and October 1, 2025 (USDA FSIS Public Health Alert)
• Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3 oz – best before date of June 26, 2025 or before; and 32.8 ounces – expiration date on or before June 27, 2025 (FreshRealm recall)
• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5 oz – best before date of June 19, 2025 or before (FreshRealm recall)

Consumers are urged to check their freezers for recalled foods.

About Listeria Infections
Foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell, or taste altered, but can still cause serious or even fatal infections. Anyone who ate it remembered product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and inform their doctor of possible exposure to Listeria.

Additionally, anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products should self-monitor for symptoms over the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle pain, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Even if infected pregnant women experience only mild flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.