Recent
Recent
Recent
Explore Topics
Explore Topics
Explore Topics
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Trader Joe's, Walmart Pasta Meals; 4 Dead
A deadly Listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta meals sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart has resulted in at least four deaths and over 20 illnesses across 15 states, prompting a federal investigation and product recalls.
Outbreak Linked to Major Retailers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has connected a deadly, nationwide Listeria outbreak to precooked pasta meals sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart. The outbreak has caused at least four deaths and more than 20 illnesses across 15 states, according to a public health alert.
Federal health officials are working to contain the spread as the investigation continues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FDA, and USDA are collaborating on the investigation.
The Source Identified
The contaminated products have been traced to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. The confirmed cases, with sample collection dates from August 2024 to May 2025, have shown a strong link to these specific ready-to-eat meals.
Severe Health Impacts
The impact of this outbreak has been severe. Of the 17 patients with available data, 16 required hospitalization. Tragically, the outbreak has also resulted in one pregnancy leading to fetal loss. "Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections," the CDC warned in its notice, highlighting the danger to vulnerable populations.
Outbreak Linked to Major Retailers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has connected a deadly, nationwide Listeria outbreak to precooked pasta meals sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart. The outbreak has caused at least four deaths and more than 20 illnesses across 15 states, according to a public health alert.
Federal health officials are working to contain the spread as the investigation continues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FDA, and USDA are collaborating on the investigation.
The Source Identified
The contaminated products have been traced to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. The confirmed cases, with sample collection dates from August 2024 to May 2025, have shown a strong link to these specific ready-to-eat meals.
Severe Health Impacts
The impact of this outbreak has been severe. Of the 17 patients with available data, 16 required hospitalization. Tragically, the outbreak has also resulted in one pregnancy leading to fetal loss. "Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections," the CDC warned in its notice, highlighting the danger to vulnerable populations.
Outbreak Linked to Major Retailers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has connected a deadly, nationwide Listeria outbreak to precooked pasta meals sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart. The outbreak has caused at least four deaths and more than 20 illnesses across 15 states, according to a public health alert.
Federal health officials are working to contain the spread as the investigation continues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FDA, and USDA are collaborating on the investigation.
The Source Identified
The contaminated products have been traced to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. The confirmed cases, with sample collection dates from August 2024 to May 2025, have shown a strong link to these specific ready-to-eat meals.
Severe Health Impacts
The impact of this outbreak has been severe. Of the 17 patients with available data, 16 required hospitalization. Tragically, the outbreak has also resulted in one pregnancy leading to fetal loss. "Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections," the CDC warned in its notice, highlighting the danger to vulnerable populations.
Federal Investigation and Recall
A multi-agency federal investigation is underway, using epidemiologic and traceback data to determine the full scope of the contamination. The primary goal is to identify if other products or production facilities are involved.
Recalled Products
In response to the findings, a recall has been issued for the implicated pasta meals. Consumers should be aware of the following:
Product: Chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm.
Retailers: Sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart stores nationwide.
Status: The recall may be expanded to include other pre-cooked pasta products.
For a complete list of recalled products, consumers should visit the official USDA-FSIS recall website.
What Consumers Should Do
The CDC is advising consumers not to eat any recalled pasta meals. If you have purchased these products, federal officials recommend the following steps:
Do not consume the product.
Discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products, as Listeria can survive at refrigerated temperatures and spread to other foods.
Federal Investigation and Recall
A multi-agency federal investigation is underway, using epidemiologic and traceback data to determine the full scope of the contamination. The primary goal is to identify if other products or production facilities are involved.
Recalled Products
In response to the findings, a recall has been issued for the implicated pasta meals. Consumers should be aware of the following:
Product: Chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm.
Retailers: Sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart stores nationwide.
Status: The recall may be expanded to include other pre-cooked pasta products.
For a complete list of recalled products, consumers should visit the official USDA-FSIS recall website.
What Consumers Should Do
The CDC is advising consumers not to eat any recalled pasta meals. If you have purchased these products, federal officials recommend the following steps:
Do not consume the product.
Discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products, as Listeria can survive at refrigerated temperatures and spread to other foods.
Federal Investigation and Recall
A multi-agency federal investigation is underway, using epidemiologic and traceback data to determine the full scope of the contamination. The primary goal is to identify if other products or production facilities are involved.
Recalled Products
In response to the findings, a recall has been issued for the implicated pasta meals. Consumers should be aware of the following:
Product: Chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm.
Retailers: Sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart stores nationwide.
Status: The recall may be expanded to include other pre-cooked pasta products.
For a complete list of recalled products, consumers should visit the official USDA-FSIS recall website.
What Consumers Should Do
The CDC is advising consumers not to eat any recalled pasta meals. If you have purchased these products, federal officials recommend the following steps:
Do not consume the product.
Discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products, as Listeria can survive at refrigerated temperatures and spread to other foods.
Understanding the Listeria Threat
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, it can grow even in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While listeriosis can affect anyone, it is particularly dangerous for certain groups, including:
Pregnant women and their newborns
Adults aged 65 or older
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, or treatments like chemotherapy.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms can vary depending on the person and the severity of the illness. They typically include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. It is crucial for those in high-risk groups to seek medical care if symptoms appear.
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. Health officials are working to ensure all contaminated products are removed from the market and to prevent further illnesses. Consumers are urged to stay informed by checking for updates from the CDC and USDA.
Understanding the Listeria Threat
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, it can grow even in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While listeriosis can affect anyone, it is particularly dangerous for certain groups, including:
Pregnant women and their newborns
Adults aged 65 or older
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, or treatments like chemotherapy.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms can vary depending on the person and the severity of the illness. They typically include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. It is crucial for those in high-risk groups to seek medical care if symptoms appear.
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. Health officials are working to ensure all contaminated products are removed from the market and to prevent further illnesses. Consumers are urged to stay informed by checking for updates from the CDC and USDA.
Understanding the Listeria Threat
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, it can grow even in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While listeriosis can affect anyone, it is particularly dangerous for certain groups, including:
Pregnant women and their newborns
Adults aged 65 or older
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, or treatments like chemotherapy.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms can vary depending on the person and the severity of the illness. They typically include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. It is crucial for those in high-risk groups to seek medical care if symptoms appear.
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. Health officials are working to ensure all contaminated products are removed from the market and to prevent further illnesses. Consumers are urged to stay informed by checking for updates from the CDC and USDA.
What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?
Common symptoms of a Listeria infection (listeriosis) include fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can cause a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after consuming contaminated food.
What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?
Common symptoms of a Listeria infection (listeriosis) include fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can cause a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after consuming contaminated food.
What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?
Common symptoms of a Listeria infection (listeriosis) include fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can cause a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after consuming contaminated food.
How can I identify if I have consumed one of the contaminated pasta products?
How can I identify if I have consumed one of the contaminated pasta products?
How can I identify if I have consumed one of the contaminated pasta products?
What steps should I take if I suspect I have Listeria?
What steps should I take if I suspect I have Listeria?
What steps should I take if I suspect I have Listeria?
Are there any other products besides pasta that are linked to this outbreak?
Are there any other products besides pasta that are linked to this outbreak?
Are there any other products besides pasta that are linked to this outbreak?
How can I find out if Trader Joe's or Walmart has issued a recall for these products?
How can I find out if Trader Joe's or Walmart has issued a recall for these products?
How can I find out if Trader Joe's or Walmart has issued a recall for these products?
