USDA Issues Health Alert for Walmart's Marketside Pasta Due to Listeria Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert for Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, sold in 12-ounce clear plastic trays at Walmart stores nationwide. The affected products bear establishment numbers "EST. 50784" and "EST. 47718" inside the USDA mark of inspection and have best-by dates ranging from September 22 to October 1. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for these items.

FreshRealm, the producer of the meal, detected Listeria monocytogenes in the linguine component during routine testing. The strain matches that of a previous outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine Alfredo sold at Walmart and Kroger stores, which resulted in three deaths and at least 17 illnesses earlier this summer. FreshRealm stated, "We have long maintained that the source of the listeria was likely an ingredient supplied by a third party."

The pasta was sourced from Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. The company has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the contamination.

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. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged not to consume it and should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.