Recalled pasta meals linked to 6 deaths, 25 hospitalized in listeria outbreak, CDC says

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The 16-oz. plastic tray packages labeled "TRADER JOE'S CAJUN STYLE BLACKENED CHICKEN BREAST FETTUCINE ALFREDO" were sold at Trader Joe's. (Photo courtesy of the USDA FSIS)

A listeria outbreak connected to recalled pasta meals has left six people dead and 25 others hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported on Oct. 30 that a total of 27 people infected with the outbreak strain of listeria have been reported from 18 states. 

RELATED: Listeria outbreak from recalled frozen meals sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart leaves 4 dead, 19 in hospital

According to the CDC, sick people's samples were collected on dates between August 1, 2024, to October 16, 2025. Of the 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized, and six deaths have been reported. 

The agency noted that one death was reported in each of the following states: Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss.

The 12-oz. clear plastic tray packages labeled "MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE" were sold at Walmart. (Photo courtesy of the USDA FSIS)

Which recalled pasta products are linked to the listeria outbreak?

Why you should care:

The recalled ready-to-eat pasta salads and prepared meals were supplied by Nate's Fine Foods and sold at grocery store chains in the U.S., including Trader Joe's, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger and Walmart.

The listeria is linked to contaminated precooked pasta sold by Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. and used in pasta salads, frozen meals and other deli products.

RELATED: Kroger recalls deli pasta salads across 28 states over potential listeria contamination

Nate's Fine Foods released a Sept. 29 statement, stating it initiated a voluntary recall "out of an abundance of caution" and was assisting the investigating health agencies.

Nate’s Fine Foods, a ready-to-eat foods manufacturer in Roseville, Calif., initiated a voluntary recall of more than 245,000 pounds of prepared pasta dishes sold at grocery stores nationwide. 

What they're saying:

"We recognize the seriousness of Listeria infections, particularly for pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. We encourage anyone who may have consumed the recalled product(s) and is experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider promptly," Nate's Fine Foods said in the Sept. 29 statement.

"Nate's Fine Foods sincerely apologizes for the concern this may cause. We remain fully committed to transparency and to taking every necessary step to protect the health and trust of our consumers."