Six Dead in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Pasta Meals
A listeria outbreak associated with recalled pasta meals has resulted in six deaths and 27 illnesses across 18 states, prompting extensive product recalls and ongoing investigations.
A listeria outbreak linked to recalled pasta meals has resulted in six deaths and 27 illnesses across 18 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most recent cases were reported in September and October, with the latest illness occurring on October 16.
The outbreak has been traced to pre-cooked pasta produced by Nate's Fine Foods of Roseville, California. In September, the company recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta, including linguine, fettuccine, and penne, which were distributed to producers of heat-and-eat meals and pasta salads.
Affected products were sold at major grocery chains, including Walmart, Trader Joe's, Kroger, and Albertsons. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled products and to discard or return them.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. The CDC, FDA, and USDA are continuing to investigate the outbreak to determine if additional products are affected.