Multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to Nate’s Fine Foods meals; six dead nationwide

A multi-state outbreak of Listeria has been linked to prepared meals made by Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., the U.S. Food & Drug Administration confirmed.

An additional seven illnesses and two deaths have been reported since the last CDC case count update on Sept. 25. A total of 25 people have been hospitalized, and six deaths have been reported in connection with the Listeria outbreak. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss.

“CDC and states are working to get information on whether sick people ate recalled food or if additional foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” the FDA stated. “Consumers should double-check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled foods.”

The recall affects several prepared meals sold nationwide, including pasta salads from Sprouts Farmers Market, Giant Eagle, and Kroger, as well as products from Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, and other retailers.

FDA is continuing to collaborate with federal and local partners, as well as implicated firms, as this situation develops. Consumers are advised not to eat or serve these products, the FDA said.

In addition to Washington, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia have all reported illnesses related to the Listeria outbreak.

Listeriosis is a severe infection most commonly caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and approximately 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms in individuals who are not pregnant typically include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Headache, stiff joints, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures are also symptoms of the Listeria bacteria. Listeria can also cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, and serious illness or even death among newborns.

Listeria bacteria can cause sickness up to 70 days after contaminated food or drink has been consumed, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Nate’s Fine Foods’ following items have been recalled

• Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad (product use by dates between Oct. 10-29)
• Giant Eagle smoked mozzarella pasta salad (expiration dates between Sept. 30-Oct. 7)
• Kroger stores recalled deli bowtie and penne pasta salads (sold between Aug. 29-Oct. 2)
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls 9.6-oz (best if used by dates of March 12, 2027 through March 21, 2027)
• Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo 16-oz plastic tray packages (“best if used by” dates of Sept. 20, Sept. 24, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Oct. 1, Oct. 3, Oct. 5, Oct. 8, Oct. 10)
• Albertsons stores recalled store-made deli pasta salads (sell-through dates from Sept. 8 through Oct. 4)
• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz. (best if used by dates of Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 25, Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Oct. 1)
• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3-oz best-by date of June 26 or prior; and 32.8-oz best-by date of June 27 or prior)
• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz (best-by date of June 19)

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