A Newsweek map shows the spread of cases possibly related to the lysteria outbreak linked to some pasta products.
The multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to ready-made pasta meals has now resulted in 27 confirmed illnesses and six deaths across 18 states as of the end of October 2025, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Newsweek has contacted the CDC via email for further updates and to clarify which states the deaths occurred in.
Why it Matters
Products, distributed nationwide and sold at major supermarkets, were recalled because, if contaminated, they would present significant risks, especially for pregnant individuals, newborn babies, older adults aged 65 or older, and those with compromised immune systems.
What To Know
The outbreak was first linked to pre-cooked pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. on September 30, 2025. After a test of linguine pasta in a frozen meal by FreshRealm detected Listeria, the company expanded its recall, as a precaution, to include several other types of pasta, which were used in a variety of packaged meals and deli items by national retailers.
The list of recalled products now includes:
- Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad: Use-by dates from October 10, 2025 to October 29, 2025
- Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad: Expiration dates September 30, 2025 through October 7, 2025
- Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads: Sold between August 29, 2025 and October 2, 2025
- Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls: Best-if-used-by dates in March 2027
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo: Best-by dates through September 20 to October 10, 2025
- Albertsons Store-Made Deli Pasta Salads: Sell-by dates from September 8, 2025, to October 4, 2025
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs: Best-by dates September 22, 2025, to October 1, 2025
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine: Best-by dates in June 2025 (or before)
- Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Best-by June 19, 2025 (or before)
The potentially affected prepared pasta meals are microwavable and may have been sold in the refrigerated or frozen sections of supermarkets and grocery stores.
Testing on the products is continuing, to see if they are linked to the outbreak.
At the time of publishing this article, the illnesses that could potentially be linked to this outbreak have led to six deaths, 25 hospitalizations, and one pregnancy-associated fetal loss. Reported symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, stiff neck, confusion, and, for vulnerable populations, the risks can be severe or fatal. If affected, symptoms usually start within two weeks, but could appear on the same day or up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated products.
What People Are Saying
In the official release, the FDA advises: “CDC and states are working to get information on whether sick people ate recalled food or if additional foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Double check your refrigerators and freezers for recalled food and do not eat them.”
The FSIS reaffirmed the symptoms for Listeriosis, stating, “Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.”
What Happens Next
Americans are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for these items and follow recall directions as a safety precaution to prevent any further illnesses and fatalities that could be linked to this outbreak. They are also being advised to consult health care providers if symptoms occur after consuming recalled foods.
The FDA, CDC, and USDA FSIS are continuing to investigate the scope of the outbreak and monitor for additional reports of illness that could be linked to the recalled pasta products. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, check for updated recall lists, and consult health care providers if symptoms occur after consuming any of the recalled products.
Consumers who aren’t sure if they have purchased contaminated products are advised to contact their retailer.
Further updates are expected as new information emerges from ongoing investigations.
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