Then, a major Listeria monocytogenes outbreak hit the news. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued consumer-level recalls for dozens of frozen, refrigerated, or otherwise prepared pasta dishes. The multistate outbreak, which began in late August 2024, has resulted in 27 reported illnesses in 18 states. In the past two months alone, six others have been hospitalized, and sadly, two more lives were lost. As of October 16, the outbreak has resulted in a total of 25 hospitalizations.
The risks posed by Listeria are much more serious for susceptible populations. This includes pregnant people, newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who are impacted will fully recover without requiring medical treatment. Because of this, they are rarely tested for Listeria. As a result, the true extent of those impacted could be much greater.
Overview of the Recall
The FDA has already recalled many products in this prepared meal category, sold in the refrigerated and frozen sections of stores specifically designed to go right into the microwave. Read on to find out about these superior products! They’re showcasing Sprouts Farmers market Smoked Mozzarella pasta salad, Giant Eagle pasta salads with smoked mozzarella, Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads, Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi With Linguini Bowls, Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
Particularly important for consumer awareness are precise use-by dates for recalled products. For instance, Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad has use-by dates ranging from October 10, 2025, to October 29, 2025. Giant Eagle’s smoked mozzarella pasta salad is affected with expiration dates from September 30, 2025, to October 7, 2025, while Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls has dates extending to March 2027. A second Kroger program with a similar design featuring pasta salads was on shelves from August 28, 2025, through October 2, 2025. Home Chef’s Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo includes a “best by” date of June 19, 2025, or sooner.
“Double check your refrigerators and freezers for recalled food and do not eat them,” – CDC
The FDA clarified that Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. is not a distributor of affected products to retailers. That said, the company is still working closely with the FDA and retailers to determine if further recalls are necessary. Consumers who aren’t sure if they purchased these products should contact the retailer where they bought the product to find out.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
The CDC wants everyone to know that Listeria grows even in the fridge! It can rapidly transfer to other foods and surfaces in your kitchen. This renders it critical for consumers to practice active food safety measures when in contact with any potentially contaminating products.
Tremendous danger still lies in pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, approximately 1,250 Americans get listeriosis each year. Unfortunately, this common infection results in nearly 172 deaths each year.
“Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces,” – CDC
State health officials are continuing to investigate the current outbreak. They need to know if affected sick people ate the recalled products or if other foods are at risk of being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Health Recommendations
CDC has committed to working with state health departments to provide timely, relevant information and analyses about this outbreak. They have called on consumers to maintain heightened awareness for food safety and hygiene practices during this unprecedented time.
“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,” – CDC
Look for recalled products. They should clean their fridges, containers, and counters that may have come into contact with the contaminated foods. This is especially crucial given that Listeria can remain in spaces where food items containing the pathogen have been kept.
“Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the affected foods,” – CDC
