Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Pasta Meals

 A serious Listeria outbreak connected to recalled pasta meals has left at least six people dead and dozens hospitalized across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contaminated meals were linked to products made by FreshRealm using ingredients from Nate’s Fine Foods, a California-based ready-to-eat food manufacturer.

What Happened?

Health officials from the CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) confirmed that a total of 27 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes across 18 states.

Of the 26 cases with full data, 25 individuals were hospitalized, and six fatalities were reported in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Tragically, one pregnancy-related case also resulted in the loss of a baby.

How the Outbreak Was Traced

In June 2025, public health investigators discovered that FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo meals were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Following lab tests, FreshRealm and Nate’s Fine Foods initiated a voluntary recall of more than 245,000 pounds of prepared pasta dishes.

Subsequent testing confirmed that pasta ingredients from Nate’s Fine Foods were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. These products were distributed nationwide under several brand labels, including popular refrigerated pasta meals.

What Consumers Should Know

The CDC warns that the actual number of cases may be higher, since it can take three to four weeks to determine if someone’s illness is linked to an outbreak. Some individuals might recover without seeking medical attention.

Consumers are urged to:

• Check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled pasta dishes.

• Avoid eating any products listed in the recall.

• Return or discard recalled foods immediately.

• Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come in contact with the recalled meals.

Understanding Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can contaminate many types of food, particularly ready-to-eat and refrigerated items. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to 10 weeks after consumption and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.

For pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, Listeria infection can be life-threatening.

Final Thoughts

This tragic outbreak highlights the importance of food safety testing, quick recalls, and consumer awareness. If you’ve recently purchased refrigerated or ready-to-eat pasta meals, double-check your packaging against the official recall list from the CDC or FDA websites.

Staying informed and cautious can prevent further illnesses — and even save lives.