If grabbing a quick pasta dinner from your local grocery store has been part of your routine, it may be time to think twice.

A major food recall is underway after dozens of illnesses were linked to popular ready-to-eat pasta dishes sold nationwide.

The outbreak has already claimed four lives and left nearly two dozen people hospitalized. Families who rely on these meals for convenience are now facing a serious health warning.

Health officials confirm a growing outbreak​

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have confirmed that Listeria monocytogenes is behind the outbreak.

The recalled meals were distributed at some of the country’s largest grocery chains.

As of September 30, there are 20 reported cases, with 19 requiring hospitalization and 4 resulting in death.

The outbreak has touched homes in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Officials caution that the real number of infections may be higher since many cases go undetected or undiagnosed.

Which meals are part of the recall​

Here’s a quick guide to the recalled products. If you spot any of these in your kitchen, it’s time to act:

1. Walmart​

• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12-ounce trays, best-by dates: Sept. 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and Oct. 1, 2025; EST. 50784 or EST. 47718)
• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3, 12.5, and 32.8-ounce trays, best-by dates: June 19, 26, 27, 2025, or earlier; EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, or EST. P-47718)

2. Trader Joe’s​

• Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16-ounce trays, best-by dates: Sept. 20, 24, 27, 2025; EST. P-45288)

3. Kroger & Albertsons (and affiliated stores)​

• Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5-ounce trays, best-by date: June 19, 2025, or earlier; EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, or EST. P-47718)
• Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad and Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad (various bulk packages, best-by dates: Sept. 8–29, 2025; distributed at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, United, Amigos, Market Street, and more across multiple states)
• Grilled Chicken & Basil Pasta Extra Large (bulk, best-by dates: Sept. 18–29, 2025; Alaska)
• Ready Meals Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad and Basil Bowtie Pasta Salad (bulk, best-by dates: Sept. 16–29, 2025; New Mexico, Texas, California, Hawaii, Nevada)

If you’re unsure about a product, check the establishment number inside the USDA mark of inspection and the best-by date. When in doubt, throw it out!


Also read: Massive recall: 58 million pounds of corn dogs pulled from freezers nationwide

What to do if you have these meals at home​

Ready-to-eat foods, especially those not reheated before eating, are particularly risky.

The CDC and FDA are clear: do not eat any of the recalled products. Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them safely.

After handling, thoroughly wash your hands, and clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the food.

Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and even grow at low temperatures, so a good scrub is essential.

For most healthy adults, listeria infection might cause mild symptoms or none at all. But for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns, listeriosis can be severe or even fatal.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues

Symptoms can appear a few days to two months after eating contaminated food. If you or someone you love experiences flu-like symptoms and you’ve eaten a recalled product, seek medical attention right away.


Also read: FDA issues new recall alert—here’s what to check in your kitchen

Steps to protect yourself moving forward​

1. Stay Informed: Sign up for food recall alerts from the FDA or CDC, or check their websites regularly.
2. Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often. Keep your fridge at 40°F or below.
3. Be Cautious with Ready-to-Eat Foods: Heat leftovers and ready-to-eat meals to steaming hot (165°F) before eating, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
4. Check Labels and Dates: When shopping, look for establishment numbers and best-by dates. If you’re unsure, ask a store employee or check online.
5. Share the News: Tell friends, family, and neighbors—especially those who may not be online or who rely on these convenient meals.

Read next:

• A common kitchen spice faces a surprising safety warning
• Is your countertop oven putting you at risk? Over 1 million recalled by Walmart, Costco, and others

Have you or someone you know been affected by a food recall? Do you have tips for making quick, safe meals at home? Or maybe you have questions about listeria or food safety in general?