The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its investigation into a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to ready-to-heat prepared pasta meals. The advisory now includes additional pre-cooked pasta lots and branded dishes sold at major retailers. Consumers are urged to check their pantries and refrigerators, discard any affected items, and follow FDA updates as new products may be added.
What’s Happening
The outbreak involves ready-to-heat pre-cooked pasta, including fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle dishes. Certain lots have tested positive for Listeria, prompting supplier recalls. The FDA notes that further recalls could occur as testing continues across additional lots.
Timeline of Events
- June 17, 2025: FreshRealm recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals nationwide after testing linked them to the outbreak.
- September 25, 2025: Additional lots of pre-cooked pasta, including fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle, were recalled after FDA-linked positive tests.
- As of September 25, 2025: The FDA reports 20 illnesses across 15 states associated with this Listeria strain. Updates are ongoing.
Affected Products and Lots
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3 oz – Best by June 26, 2025, or earlier
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 32.8 oz – Best by June 27, 2025, or earlier
- Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5 oz – Best by June 19, 2025, or earlier
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara 12 oz – Best-if-used-by Sep 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, or Oct 1, 2025
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 16 oz – Best-if-used-by Sep 20, 24, or 27, 2025
Where They Were Sold
- Walmart: Marketside brand, refrigerated meals section
- Kroger: Home Chef brand, refrigerated meals section
- Trader Joe’s: Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Symptoms and Who’s at Risk
Listeria infection can cause:
- Fever, chills, muscle aches
- Fatigue, headache, stiff neck
- Confusion, gastrointestinal symptoms
High-risk groups include pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may appear within a day for mild illness but can take up to two months for invasive Listeria infections. Anyone exposed should monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if signs develop.
What You Should Do
- Do not eat, sell, or serve any listed items.
- Discard or return affected products.
- Clean refrigerators and surfaces that may have contacted these foods, as Listeria can survive cold temperatures.
- Contact a healthcare provider if exposure is suspected, particularly for high-risk individuals.
- Stay updated with the FDA and CDC, as additional lots or products may be added.
Quick FAQs
Are frozen or refrigerated pasta meals included?
Yes, the alert focuses on ready-to-heat refrigerated pasta meals, with specific brands and best-by dates identified.
How will I know if more products are added?
The FDA updates its outbreak page as more sampling results are confirmed and recalls are coordinated.
What if I’m unsure about my product?
Check the brand, size, and best-by date. When in doubt, discard the item to ensure safety.
