USDA Issues Listeria Alert for Pasta Meals Sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's
The USDA has issued a public health alert for certain pre-cooked pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's due to potential Listeria contamination linked to a deadly outbreak.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert concerning specific pre-cooked pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's, citing potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products include Walmart's Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, with best-by dates from September 22 to October 1, and Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo, with best-by dates of September 20, 24, and 27. These items were distributed nationwide and in select states, respectively.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) advises consumers to check their refrigerators for these products and discard them if found. The agency emphasizes that Listeria infection can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues.
This alert follows an earlier outbreak linked to pre-made chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger, which resulted in four deaths and over 20 illnesses. FreshRealm, the producer of the affected meals, identified the contamination source as pre-cooked pasta supplied by Nate's Fine Foods. The same strain of Listeria was detected in both incidents, suggesting a connection between the outbreaks.
Consumers are urged to dispose of the affected products and monitor for symptoms of Listeria infection. For further information, refer to the USDA's official communications.