Pasta Meals Linked to Listeria Outbreak at Walmart and Trader Joe’s
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A public health alert has been triggered due to potential Listeria contamination in two popular ready-to-eat pasta meals. The affected products are Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce and Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo. This alert was issued on Thursday, September 25, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) following concerns related to a Listeria outbreak in chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals.
The Walmart product, Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce, is packaged in 12-ounce clear tray packages with best by dates in 2025 of September 22, September 24, September 25, September 29, September 30, and October 1. Look out for the establishment number 50784 or 47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection. On the other hand, Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo comes in 16-ounce plastic tray packages with best by dates in 2025 of September 20, September 24, and September 27, and an establishment number of P-45288.
The contamination was unearthed when samples of pre-cooked pasta were collected by one of the producing companies as part of an ongoing investigation. The test results showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in the linguine pasta. However, it is still unclear whether this Listeria strain is directly linked to the ongoing outbreak. The outbreak was initially declared in June following a recall by FreshRealm of chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals distributed to Kroger and Walmart under the Marketside brand and Home Chef brands.
Trader Joe’s responded to the recall by advising customers to either discard the affected product or return it to the store for a full refund. They urged caution due to the potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, as indicated by testing of another brand sharing the same ingredient source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported four deaths and 19 hospitalizations across 15 states by Friday, September 26, all attributed to the outbreak.
In addition to avoiding consumption of the potentially contaminated meals, the CDC also recommended thoroughly cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected products. Listeriosis symptoms often include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and gastrointestinal issues. Individuals in high-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their food intake.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of food safety and timely recalls in preventing widespread outbreaks and protecting public health. As investigations continue and measures are taken to address the contamination, vigilance and adherence to proper food handling practices remain crucial in safeguarding consumers from foodborne illnesses. Stay informed about product recalls and public health alerts to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.