CDC Warns: Pasta Meals May Be Contaminated with Listeria, 4 Dead in Outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on Sept. 25 for Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce and Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo. The meals share ingredient sources tied to an ongoing federal investigation.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has already caused four deaths and 19 hospitalizations across 15 states since it was first identified in June. The Walmart pasta, sold in 12-ounce clear tray packages, carries best-by dates of Sept. 22, 24, 25, 29, 30 and Oct. 1, 2025, with establishment numbers 50784 or 47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Trader Joe’s recalled its 16-ounce Alfredo product with best-by dates of Sept. 20, 24, and 27, 2025, marked with establishment number P-45288.

The contamination was detected when one of the manufacturers collected samples of the pre-cooked pasta as part of the ongoing investigation. While tests confirmed Listeria in the linguine, officials are still working to determine if it is the same outbreak strain. Trader Joe’s urged customers to discard the product or return it for a full refund, stressing that the recall was issued “out of an abundance of caution.” The CDC further advised consumers to avoid eating the recalled meals, disinfect refrigerators and surfaces, and throw away any exposed food items. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress. Health officials warn that pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. The FSIS advises anyone in these groups who develops flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming the affected foods to seek immediate medical care.

The outbreak was first declared in June, when FreshRealm recalled chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals distributed under Kroger, Walmart’s Marketside, and Home Chef brands. The investigation remains ongoing.