Check your freezer: Recalled pasta linked to fatal listeria outbreak

The listeria outbreak that’s been making headlines since June is far from over. In fact, it’s getting worse. As of September 25, 2025, 20 people have been infected with the outbreak strain, resulting in 4 deaths and 19 hospitalizations across 15 states. Even more sobering: one pregnant woman experienced fetal loss due to the infection.

What makes this outbreak particularly concerning for older adults is that nearly every person who got sick ended up in the hospital.

That’s not typical for foodborne illness, and it underscores just how dangerous this particular strain of listeria has proven to be.

The culprit? Pre-cooked pasta used in ready-to-eat meals sold at stores you probably shop at regularly—Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Albertsons.

Why this hits seniors harder

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, is most likely to sicken pregnant people and newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you’re over 65, your immune system simply doesn’t fight off infections as effectively as it once did.

That makes you more vulnerable to what doctors call “invasive listeriosis.”

When listeria spreads beyond your gut to other parts of your body, it can cause severe complications including blood infections, brain infections, and even death.

This is why almost everyone in this outbreak required hospitalization.

Also read: A hidden risk in your fridge: What seniors need to know about this recall

The recalled products and lot numbers

Nate’s Fine Foods, a California-based supplier, voluntarily recalled more than 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta after samples tested positive for listeria monocytogenes.

The products were distributed to California, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas before being included in ready-to-eat meals sold at major retailers.

According to the FDA, these are among the affected items:

• Cooked Linguine Pasta: 972 cases (29,160 lbs) of 6 x 5 lb packages with lot code 2372521 and use-by date 8/25/2026.

• MAP Cooked Fettuccine Pasta: 1,357 cases (40,710 lbs) of 6 x 5 lb pouches with lot codes 2372522, 2432521, 2512521, and 2572522, and use-by dates 10/9/2025, 10/15/2025, 10/23/2025, and 10/29/2025.

• Fresh Creative Foods Cooked Farfalle Pasta: 1,442 cases (34,068 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot codes 2372523, 2432522, 2512522, and 2572523, and use-by dates 10/9/2025, 10/15/2025, 10/23/2025, and 10/29/2025.

• Fresh Creative Foods Cooked Penne Pasta: 1,337 cases (32,088 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot codes 2382521, 2452521, 2572524, and 2512523, and use-by dates 10/10/2025, 10/17/2025, 10/23/2025, and 10/29/2025.

• Cooked Linguine Pasta: 52 totes (73,050 lbs) of 5 lb pouches with lot codes 2452523 and 2592521, and use-by dates 10/17/2025 and 10/31/2025.

• Taylor Farms Cooked Rotini MAP: 383 cases (9,192 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot code 2532526 and use-by date 10/10/2025.

• Taylor Farms Cooked Farfalle MAP: 261 cases (6,264 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot code 2532525 and use-by date 10/10/2025.

• Taylor Farms Cooked Trotolle MAP: 846 cases (18,612 lbs) of 8 x 2.75 lb pouches with lot codes 2532521 and 2472524, and use-by dates 10/10/2025 and 10/04/2025.

• Cooked Fettuccine Pasta: 56 cases (1,680 lbs) of 6 x 5 lb pouches with lot code 2572521 and use-by date 9/14/2026.

The FDA identified Nate’s Fine Foods as the source, noting that the company supplies precooked pasta to restaurants and meal manufacturers rather than selling directly to consumers.

Also read: Is your dinner at risk? Ready-made meals recalled over spinach listeria contamination

The products still lurking in freezers

Here’s the troubling part: these recalled products may still be sitting in your freezer or refrigerator.

Because many were repackaged and sold under other brands, consumers may not realize their meals originated from the same contaminated source.

Affected ready-to-eat meals include the following products:

Trader Joe’s locations

• Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16-oz plastic tray)
  • “Best if used by” dates: 9/20/2025 through 10/10/2025

Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo is among the ready-to-eat pasta meals recalled due to possible listeria contamination. Image Source: USDA.

Walmart (Marketside brand)

• Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12-oz)
• Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3-oz and 32.8-oz)
  • Various “best by” dates from June through October 2025

Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine, sold under Walmart’s Marketside brand, is part of the nationwide listeria recall. Image Source: USDA.

Kroger stores

• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5-oz)
• Deli bowtie and penne pasta salads sold August 29 through October 2

Deli bowtie and penne pasta salads sold at Kroger and affiliated stores are included in the ongoing listeria recall. Image Source: FDA.

Albertsons family stores

• Store-made deli pasta salads
• “Sell through” dates from September 8 to October 4, 2025

Also read: Frozen vegetables recalled in 7 states over Listeria concerns—what to check in your freezer

Where the outbreak has spread

The outbreak has touched 15 states so far.

Health officials confirmed that deaths occurred in Utah, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, while additional cases were reported in California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Because listeria infections can take weeks to appear, the true number of affected individuals may still rise as investigations continue.

The cleaning protocol that could save your life

Found a recalled product? Don’t just toss it in the trash. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and easily spread to other foods and surfaces. This makes proper cleanup crucial.

Here’s your step-by-step cleaning protocol:

• Don’t open the package—place it directly in a sealed bag before disposal
• Clean all surfaces the package touched with hot, soapy water
• Sanitize with bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water)
• Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
• Check surrounding foods for any cross-contamination
• Clean refrigerator shelves and drawers where the product was stored

Also read: Highest risk warning issued as mushroom recall expands nationwide

Symptoms that demand immediate attention

Symptoms usually start within two weeks of eating contaminated food but could start as soon as the same day or as late as 10 weeks later.

For seniors, these warning signs require immediate medical attention:

• Fever and muscle aches
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Loss of balance
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea

The delayed onset makes listeria particularly tricky.

You might not connect flu-like symptoms to a meal you ate weeks ago, which is why it’s important to mention any recalled products you consumed to your healthcare provider.

Also read: FDA recalls tuna salad sold in multiple states due to listeria concerns

A pattern of food safety failures

This outbreak isn’t happening in isolation.

The US has seen its share of listeria outbreaks in the past year, including a 2024 outbreak tied to deli meat that left 10 people dead and dozens more hospitalized across the country.

For seniors who rely on convenient, ready-to-eat options, these recurring outbreaks highlight a troubling pattern in our food safety system.

Also read: 2 popular cold-smoked fish products recalled nationwide over listeria risk

Moving forward safely

While this outbreak continues to unfold, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Consider avoiding ready-to-eat pasta meals from major retailers until the source is fully contained.

When you do purchase convenience foods, check recall lists regularly at FDA.gov.

Most importantly, trust your instincts about food safety.

If a ready-to-eat meal smells off, looks unusual, or has been in your freezer longer than you remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Also read: Is your favorite pasta dish putting you at risk? Deadly listeria outbreak spreads across 15 states

The investigation continues

Federal agencies are still tracing the contamination source and expect more recalls as the investigation unfolds.

The scope of this outbreak—spanning multiple states, major retailers, and over 245,000 pounds of recalled pasta—suggests the problem runs deeper than initially thought.

For now, vigilance is your best protection.

Check your freezer, stay informed about recalls, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you develop symptoms.

Read next:

• Popular breakfast item recalled over listeria concerns—check your fridge
• Something’s growing in your fridge… and it’s not good news. Listeria risk causes recall of this food item
• Is your favorite Costco Kirkland meal putting you at risk? What you should know about the latest recall

Key Takeaways

• More than 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods were recalled after testing positive for listeria contamination.
• The outbreak has spread to 15 states, with deaths reported in Utah, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, and several additional hospitalizations nationwide.
• Recalled ready-to-eat meals were sold at major retailers including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Albertsons under various brand names.
• Older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk, making prompt freezer checks and safe food handling essential.

Have you found any recalled products in your home, or do you have questions about food safety practices? Share your experience in the comments below—your insights could help fellow readers stay safe.