Listeria Outbreak Linked to FreshRealm Pasta Ingredient

Federal health agencies (CDC, FDA and USDA’s FSIS) are investigating a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak tied to ready-to-eat pasta meals produced or distributed by FreshRealm after genetic testing linked a pre-cooked pasta ingredient to the outbreak strain. The outbreak has sickened 20 people across 15 states, resulted in 19 hospitalizations and four deaths (Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Utah), including one pregnancy-associated fetal loss, and officials say the true number of cases may be higher. FSIS issued public-health alerts and expanded recalls covering specific products — including Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara sold at Walmart (12-oz trays with “best if used by” dates through Oct. 1), Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16-oz trays with specified September dates), and several Albertsons/Safeway prepared pasta salads — and retailers have removed or advised customers to discard or return affected items. FreshRealm says the contamination stemmed from pasta supplied by a third party (Nate’s Fine Foods) and investigators warn more products or states may be identified as the probe continues. Health officials say pregnant people, newborns, adults 65+ and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk, note common listeriosis symptoms and that incubation can be up to 10 weeks, and urge consumers to throw out suspect products, disinfect surfaces, and seek medical care if symptoms develop.