California Company Recalls 245,000 Pounds of Prepared Pasta Dishes Over Listeria Concerns

245,000 Pounds of Prepared Pasta Dishes Recalled Over Listeria Concerns

A significant recall of more than 245,000 pounds of prepared pasta dishes has been initiated by a California manufacturer, Nate’s Fine Foods, due to potential listeria contamination. The impacted products were distributed at various grocery stores including Kroger and Walmart nationwide. The concern over listeria contamination stems from a deadly outbreak that the manufacturer has been linked to, dating back to 2024.

The recall was announced on Thursday, October 9, as a voluntary measure by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California. The Food and Drug Administration records indicated that the affected pasta dishes were sold at major retail chains such as Giant Eagle, Walmart, Kroger, and Sprouts. Genetic testing revealed the presence of listeria in prepared chicken fettuccine and meatball pasta products, matching the strain associated with the ongoing listeria outbreak since August 2024.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this listeria outbreak has tragically led to at least four deaths and affected 20 other individuals. The most recent case was confirmed by the CDC on September 11. The seriousness of the situation prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to issue an alert on September 25 regarding the recall of two ready-to-eat pasta meals produced by Nate’s Fine Foods – Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce, as well as Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo.

In response to the recall, Nate’s Fine Foods expressed their commitment to cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state health authorities to thoroughly investigate the contamination source. Ensuring consumer safety remains their top priority, and they are dedicated to taking all necessary steps until the matter is fully resolved.

In recent months, several recalls related to listeria contamination have been issued. On October 7, HelloFresh had to recall prepared meals containing spinach due to similar concerns. Additionally, cheese products from Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op were recalled in September from stores located in Texas, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin due to potential listeria contamination.

Listeria infections are uncommon but can result in a severe illness known as listeriosis, particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, infants, and the elderly. Symptoms of listeriosis include headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The impacted products in this recall range from Sprouts Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad to Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are strongly urged by the Food and Drug Administration to either dispose of them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Stay informed by signing up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to receive updates on a variety of topics from celebrity news to heartwarming human interest stories.

As the investigation continues, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant about food safety and to take precautionary measures in light of potential health risks associated with listeria contamination. This serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough food testing and quality control measures in the production and distribution of ready-to-eat food products.