A nationwide listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals has grown more serious, with federal health officials now reporting a total of 27 confirmed cases across 18 states.
As of October 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 25 people have been hospitalized and six people have died due to listeriosis, a serious illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The reported deaths occurred in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One case also involved a pregnancy-related illness that resulted in fetal loss, according to the CDC.
The outbreak has been under investigation since earlier this year, when the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified the presence of listeria in a routine sample of chicken fettuccine alfredo produced by FreshRealm. The issue gained more traction in September when FreshRealm tested another product, beef meatball linguine marinara, and found it also tested positive for the same strain of Listeria. Although that particular meal was never released to the public, additional testing of ingredients used in the dish revealed that the pasta itself was contaminated.
ALERT:
25 hospitalized and 6 PEOPLE DE-D in nationwide listeria outbreak.
Outbreak has been LINKED to precooked pasta meals.
18 states have now reported cases.
[THREAD] pic.twitter.com/HZ4rc4C6k6
— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) November 4, 2025
25 hospitalized and 6 PEOPLE DE-D in nationwide listeria outbreak.Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the listeria strain found in the pasta matches the one responsible for the current outbreak. This led the CDC and other agencies to expand their investigation and begin coordinating with companies to trace and recall potentially affected products. The pasta in question was supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., a company that does not sell directly to retail stores but distributes products to other food companies that package and sell meals under various brands.
Nate’s Fine Foods has since expanded its recall to include multiple types of pre-cooked pasta — specifically fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle — after a sample of linguine tested by FreshRealm showed positive results for Listeria monocytogenes. The company says it is working closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its partners to identify where the affected pasta may have ended up, and to help other businesses issue their own recalls where needed.
A listeria outbreak linked to prepared pasta meals has resulted in six deaths and 27 reported illnesses across 18 states. From contaminated ready-to-eat pasta products distributed by Nate’s Fine Foods, sold at major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Walmart, and Sprouts. pic.twitter.com/zvkdVHMf5i
— J.Akecheta (@Xfiles1111) November 3, 2025
So far, the outbreak has led to a number of food recalls affecting popular brands and grocery chains across the country. Among them are Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, Giant Eagle’s smoked mozzarella pasta salad, and various deli pasta salads sold at Kroger stores. Trader Joe’s has recalled its Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo, and Albertsons has pulled several store-made deli pasta salads from its shelves. Walmart’s Marketside brand has also recalled two products: Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce and Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine. Home Chef’s Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is included as well.
Demers Food Group has recalled its Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls. All of these products are believed to have been made using pasta supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods.
The CDC says that while 27 people have been confirmed sick, the true number is likely higher. Many people infected with Listeria may recover without seeking medical attention and therefore never get tested. Listeriosis is most dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled products and to throw them away immediately if found. They also recommend cleaning any surfaces the food may have touched.
As of now, FOX Business has reached out to FreshRealm, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Albertsons, and Demers Food Group for comment on the outbreak and recalls, but no official responses have been reported.
The CDC, FDA, and FSIS continue to monitor the situation and are working with food producers and retailers to prevent any further risk to public health.
