USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Marketside Beef Meatball Pasta Meals Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert for specific heat-and-eat beef meatball pasta meals sold at Walmart stores nationwide, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is the 12-ounce "Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce," packaged in clear plastic trays with best-by dates from September 22 through October 1. These meals bear establishment numbers "EST. 50784" and "EST. 47718" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.

FreshRealm, the producer of these meals, has advised Walmart to remove the products from store shelves. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is investigating whether additional products may be affected.

This alert follows a previous outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine Alfredo products sold at Walmart and Kroger stores, which resulted in three deaths and at least 17 illnesses. FreshRealm's testing identified Listeria in the linguine used in the beef meatball dish, matching the strain from the earlier outbreak. The pasta was supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California.

Listeria infections can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports approximately 1,600 Listeria infections annually in the U.S., leading to about 260 deaths.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for the specified products and refrain from consuming them. The USDA recommends discarding the meals or returning them to the place of purchase. For further information, consumers can contact FreshRealm's customer service at 888-244-1562.