Grocery shoppers nationwide are being warned after a California maker of ready-to-eat meals issued a wide recall of pasta dishes linked to a listeria outbreak. The move affects many supermarket brands and adds urgency as health officials investigate a strain tied to fatal cases this year.
Voluntary recall expands to hundreds of thousands of pounds of ready meals
Nate’s Fine Foods, based in Roseville, California, announced a voluntary recall on Oct. 9. The company pulled a large batch of prepared pasta products after tests found contamination. More than 245,000 pounds of ready-to-eat pasta items are included in the action.
The recall follows lab results that matched bacteria found in these foods to an ongoing listeria cluster that began in 2024. Retailers across the country sold the affected items.
How officials connected the foods to an ongoing listeria outbreak
State and federal investigators used genetic testing to compare bacteria from patient samples with isolates from packaged meals. The match indicated the same strain has been circulating since August 2024.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports dozens of illnesses tied to this outbreak. At least four people have died, and multiple others became sick. The CDC confirmed the most recent linked case in September.
Earlier alerts included a Sept. 25 notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. That alert named two ready-to-eat pasta meals as previously recalled products tied to the same producer.
Retailers and brands affected by the recall
Where shoppers may have encountered impacted items
Stores that sold the recalled meals include national chains and smaller grocers. Shoppers should check purchases from these outlets.
- Walmart (Marketside branded meals)
- Kroger
- Trader Joe’s
- Sprouts
- Giant Eagle
- Albertsons
- Home Chef
- Scott & Jon’s
Specific recalled products to look for
- Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
- Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
- Kroger Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Kroger Penne Pasta Salad
- Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
- Albertsons Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
- Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5-oz)
Health risks: why listeria is taken seriously
Though listeria infections are uncommon, the bacteria can cause severe illness called listeriosis. The disease can be life-threatening for some groups.
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant people and their newborns
- Infants and older adults
Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. The FDA and CDC say immediate medical attention is needed if those signs appear after eating recalled foods.
Advice for consumers and next steps
The FDA recommends that anyone who purchased recalled products should either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Do not consume any item you suspect is part of the recall.
If you feel unwell after eating a recalled meal, contact your healthcare provider and mention possible listeria exposure. Health officials advise special vigilance for pregnant people and those with chronic conditions.
Company response and related recalls this season
Nate’s Fine Foods said it is cooperating with federal and state partners to determine how contamination occurred. The firm stated its priority is consumer safety and that it will take corrective measures.
Public health agencies have tracked several recent recalls for listeria concerns. Meal delivery kits containing spinach were pulled earlier in October, and a cheese cooperative issued recalls in September. Authorities urge shoppers to review recall notices regularly.
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Health advocate and wellness researcher, Dr. Monroe brings clarity to confusing health trends with science-backed advice. Her mission is to help readers live vibrantly, from the inside out.