Nate’s Ingredient Linked to Listeria Outbreak

The CDC has linked recalled ready-to-eat pasta and salad products sold at Trader Joe’s, Albertsons and Walmart to a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has caused 19 hospitalizations and four deaths across 15 states. Investigators say a recalled bowtie/linguini pasta ingredient from Nate’s Fine Foods is implicated, prompting Albertsons to pull select store-made deli items and Demers Food Group to voluntarily recall Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini; Albertsons and Demers report no illnesses tied to their specific recalls. Retailers have identified affected products and “best if used by” dates and are advising customers to discard impacted items or return them for refunds. The CDC and FDA urge thorough cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and warn that listeriosis can cause severe illness in pregnant people, newborns, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Federal agencies are continuing investigations and working with suppliers and retailers to manage recalls and limit further illnesses.