Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Pasta Meals: 6 Dead, 25 Hospitalized — What You Must Know

Introduction

At least six people have died and 25 others have been hospitalized due to a Listeria outbreak connected to recalled ready-to-eat pasta meals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in coordination with the FDA and USDA, confirmed that the outbreak has infected 27 individuals across 18 states. As investigations continue, the CDC urges consumers to check their kitchens for any recalled pasta products immediately.

This outbreak highlights the growing concern about food safety and the potential risks hidden in pre-packaged and processed meals.

What Happened: Inside the Listeria Outbreak

The outbreak has been traced to FreshRealm’s prepared pasta meals, particularly chicken fettuccine alfredo products produced with ingredients from Nate’s Fine Foods, a California-based ready-to-eat food manufacturer.
In June 2025, testing showed that certain pasta ingredients were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious infections.

Following this discovery, more than 245,000 pounds of pasta dishes were voluntarily recalled across the United States. Despite these recalls, new illnesses and deaths continue to be reported, raising concern that some contaminated products may still be in circulation.

Where the Cases Have Been Reported

Confirmed cases have been identified in several states, including:

• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Oregon
• Texas
• Utah

The CDC confirmed six deaths, including one pregnancy-related case that resulted in the loss of a baby. Health experts warn that the actual number of infected individuals may be higher, as symptoms can appear up to 10 weeks after exposure, and some mild cases may go unreported.

Understanding Listeria and Its Symptoms

According to the CDC, Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food such as meats, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals. The infection it causes, known as listeriosis, can lead to severe health problems.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea or diarrhea
• In severe cases: confusion, stiff neck, loss of balance, or seizures

For pregnant women, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or serious illness in newborns.
Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of hospitalization or death.

CDC’s Urgent Warning: Check Your Fridge

The CDC has issued a food safety alert, urging consumers to take the following precautions:

1. Do not eat recalled foods. Throw them away or return them to the store.
2. Clean and disinfect refrigerators, containers, and kitchen surfaces that may have touched recalled foods. Listeria can survive and spread even in cold environments.
3. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms after eating recalled pasta dishes.

The CDC’s official outbreak notice is available here:
CDC Listeria Outbreak Notice

Recall Details and Affected Products

The contamination has been linked to FreshRealm, which used ingredients supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods.
Recalled items include various pasta meal kits sold under multiple brand labels across major grocery chains nationwide.

Consumers should check the product labels, packaging, and use-by dates carefully. Even if the food appears or smells normal, it should not be consumed because Listeria cannot be detected by taste or odor.

What Consumers Should Do

• Stay informed and follow CDC and FDA updates for additional recalls.
• Always practice safe food handling by washing hands and sanitizing surfaces regularly.
• Check for recall alerts before buying pre-packaged meals.
• Inform others about ongoing outbreaks to help prevent further infections.

The recent Listeria outbreak linked to recalled pasta meals serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety awareness. Despite product recalls, new cases continue to emerge, underscoring the need for stricter food testing and consumer caution.

If you or someone you know has purchased any recalled pasta meals, do not eat them and contact your local health authorities for further guidance.

By staying informed and cautious, consumers can help prevent serious illnesses and protect public health.

At least six people have died and 25 are hospitalized in a multistate Listeria outbreak linked to recalled FreshRealm pasta meals. Learn about the affected states, symptoms, and CDC’s urgent food safety warning.

Listeria outbreak 2025, FreshRealm recall, Nate’s Fine Foods, CDC food alert, pasta meal recall, foodborne illness, Listeria symptoms, health safety news

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