Listeria Outbreak Linked to Nate's Pre-Cooked Pasta

Federal health agencies say a multistate Listeria outbreak has sickened 27 people and killed six across roughly 17–18 states and has been linked to pre-cooked pasta made by Nate’s Fine Foods used in ready-to-eat pasta salads and meals. Genetic sequencing tied the outbreak strain to Nate’s pasta and to heat-and-eat products produced by FreshRealm, prompting Nate’s to expand a recall of nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta and dozens of prepared items sold at major retailers. Grocery chains including Kroger, Walmart/Marketside, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Giant Eagle and Albertsons have recalled affected deli and refrigerated meals with specific sell-through or “best if used by” dates, and some suppliers and distributors (for example, Demers Food Group) issued voluntary recalls after positive tests. The CDC, FDA and USDA-FSIS are investigating, conducting patient interviews (one reported pregnancy resulted in fetal loss) and working to determine whether additional products may be contaminated. Health officials urge consumers to check refrigerators and freezers for recalled items and to throw them away or return them for a refund.