New Listeria Outbreak Claims Two More Lives Linked to Pasta Meals

Two additional deaths and seven new illnesses have been reported in a listeria outbreak linked to ready-made pasta meals sold at major grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s and Kroger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed these developments in an update on October 31, 2025, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 27, including 25 hospitalizations and six fatalities across 18 states.

The source of the outbreak has been traced to pasta products supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods LLC, based in Roseville, California. The contaminated pasta, which includes linguine, fettuccine, and penne, has been used in various heat-and-eat meals sold under several brand names, such as Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls and Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine.

Extent of the Outbreak

The CDC’s investigation has revealed that the outbreak has affected individuals in states including California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Texas, and Oregon. The average age of those infected is 74, with ages ranging from four to 92 years old. More than two-thirds of the reported cases are female, and the majority of patients are identified as white.

The first case of the outbreak was identified in August 2024, but it was not until September 2025 that the connection to Nate’s pasta was established. Genetic testing confirmed that the strain of listeria found in the sick patients matched that present in the contaminated pasta. The outbreak prompted Nate’s Fine Foods to recall over 245,000 pounds of pasta as a precautionary measure.

Health Risks and Response Measures

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and older adults. Each year, listeria infects approximately 1,250 individuals in the United States, leading to an estimated 1,000 hospitalizations and around 170 deaths annually. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like signs to severe complications, including stillbirths and miscarriages in pregnant women.

Nate’s Fine Foods has expressed its commitment to consumer safety, stating, “Our top priority is ensuring the safety of the people who enjoy our products,” and has pledged to take all necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products and to dispose of them or return them to stores for a full refund. The FDA provides a complete list of affected pasta meals on its website.

As the CDC continues its investigation, health officials emphasize the importance of food safety, particularly in the production and handling of ready-to-eat meals. The emergence of this outbreak highlights ongoing concerns regarding foodborne illnesses and the necessity for rigorous safety protocols in food manufacturing facilities.