Listeria Outbreak Linked to Walmart and Trader Joe’s Recalled Meals Leaves Four Dead, 19 Hospitalized

October 1, 2025

A Listeria outbreak linked to recalled prepared pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s has resulted in four deaths, 19 hospitalizations, and at least 20 confirmed infections across 15 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have issued urgent recalls, advising consumers to discard or return affected products immediately. Health officials warn that additional cases may surface in the coming weeks as investigations continue.

The recall covers multiple ready-to-eat pasta meals that may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes:

• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (Walmart)

  • Sold in 12-ounce trays

  • “Best if used by” dates: September 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and October 1

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• Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo

  • “Best if used by” dates: September 20, 24, and 27

• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine

• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Officials say these products are no longer on store shelves but may remain in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The CDC advises anyone who has purchased these items not to consume them.

Scope of the Listeria Outbreak

According to the CDC’s latest update:

• Total cases reported: 20

• Hospitalizations: 19

• Deaths: 4 (including one confirmed case in Utah)

• States affected: 15 (California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia)

Public health authorities stress that the number of infections may increase as additional testing and reporting continue.

IS Listeria a Major Health Risk?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can survive and multiply in refrigerated environments, making cold-stored ready-to-eat meals particularly vulnerable.

The Listeria outbreak poses a heightened risk to certain groups:

• Adults aged 65 and older

• Pregnant women and newborns

• Individuals with weakened immune systems

In these groups, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and cause invasive listeriosis, a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms to Watch For

Health authorities are urging individuals who consumed recalled meals to monitor for symptoms that may appear within a few days to up to 10 weeks after exposure. These include:

• Fever and muscle aches

• Headache and stiff neck

• Fatigue or confusion

• Loss of balance and convulsions

• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

Pregnant Women at Higher Risk

For pregnant women, even mild infections can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.

Warnings

The USDA and CDC have issued a nationwide health alert. In Utah, the Department of Agriculture and Food confirmed that one of the four reported deaths occurred in the state.

“Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers carefully. If recalled items are found, they should be discarded immediately or returned to the store of purchase,” the department said in a statement.

Authorities emphasize that contaminated products could still be in households despite being removed from retail shelves weeks ago.

Health officials have issued the following recommendations:

• Do not consume recalled products.

• Dispose of or return items to the place of purchase.

• Thoroughly clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated food.

• Seek medical attention if symptoms of listeriosis develop.

• Inform healthcare providers about possible exposure when seeking care.

The CDC further advises keeping refrigerators at or below 40°F (4°C) and separating raw and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Past Listeria Outbreaks

This incident is the latest in a series of listeria-related recalls across the United States. Previous outbreaks have been linked to:

• Packaged salads

• Ice cream

• Soft cheeses

• Deli meats and hot dogs

Public health experts note that recurring listeria incidents underscore the importance of strict food safety monitoring and consumer awareness.

Broader Implications

The Listeria outbreak connected to Walmart and Trader Joe’s highlights ongoing challenges in food safety regulation and monitoring of ready-to-eat meals. Because the bacteria can survive in cold storage, outbreaks can persist even after products leave store shelves.

Food safety experts stress that consumer education and rapid reporting remain key to minimizing the impact of such events.

The Listeria outbreak linked to recalled pasta meals sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart has already resulted in four deaths and 19 hospitalizations. With cases reported in 15 states, health authorities are urging consumers to check their homes for recalled products, dispose of them safely, and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

The CDC, USDA, and state health departments continue to monitor the situation and encourage the public to remain vigilant.

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Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

• Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

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