Multistate Listeria monocytogenes The outbreak turned a simple lunch into a public health emergency. Six people have died and 25 have been hospitalized after consuming contaminated packaged pasta sold at major grocery stores such as Trader Joe's, Walmart and Kroger.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working together to trace the source of the outbreak, which was first announced in June 2025.
Investigators linked the contamination to ready-to-eat pasta products from supplier Nate's Fine Foods, including precooked fettuccine, linguine and bow tie pasta. These foods can be refrigerated or frozen, and can be lightly cooked in the microwave or oven. A list of contaminated foods can be found on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website.
Read more: To avoid bacteria buildup, ditch the kitchen sponge and switch to a brush.
Why Listeria Do you love ready-to-eat foods?
Bacteria L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening infection. Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the US, responsible for approximately 172 deaths each year. It is a hardy microbe that can thrive even in cold conditions, surviving refrigeration and sometimes growing in packaged foods over time.
When it comes to food Listeria often spread in processing plants where bacteria are difficult to remove even in the cleanest conditions. Listeria can enter a food processing facility in several ways, including through food that has been contaminated during the harvesting process. It can also be distributed throughout the facility during food processing, preparation, packaging and transportation.
Something as humble as incoming air may contain traces of L. monocytogenes and this will be enough to start an outbreak.
Symptoms Listeria Infection
If you have entered into a contract ListeriaSymptoms usually appear within two weeks of eating contaminated food, but can begin as early as the day of consumption or as long as 10 weeks later. In most healthy adults, the illness can clear up with rest and fluids, but the infection can have devastating effects on pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
According to an FDA press release, “mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. If a more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.”
Most people facing L. monocytogenes contract a non-life-threatening infection intestinal disease. In these cases, the infection will most likely present with flu-like symptoms and resolve without medical intervention. However, the invasive strain L. monocytogenesWhen the bacteria spreads beyond the intestines, it is deadly: nearly one in six people who contract invasive listeriosis will die.
What can you do to protect yourself from Listeria?
The good news is that Listeria infection can be prevented. Awareness and proper cooling habits can make all the difference. Due to the current outbreak, consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled products.
To protect yourself from Listeria At home, keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash produce, cook food thoroughly, and immediately throw away anything that looks suspicious or has expired.
If you eat the recalled toothpaste and experience fever, fatigue, or muscle pain, the CDC recommends calling your doctor immediately. However, if you don't have symptoms, testing or treatment likely won't be needed.
This article does not contain medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
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