Deadly Listeria Outbreak Sparks Massive Ready-to-Eat Pasta Recall Across 30+ States

FDA and USDA Expand Recall of Pre-Packaged Pasta Meals Following 4 Deaths and 19 Hospitalizations

Federal health authorities are expanding a sweeping food safety recall after multiple brands of ready-to-eat pasta meals and salads were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This serious bacteria has already led to at least 19 hospitalizations and four deaths across the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are coordinating with major food retailers and manufacturers to remove potentially contaminated products from shelves nationwide.

The recalled pasta meals sold at popular grocery stores, including Kroger, Giant Eagle, Albertsons, Safeway, and Walmart share a common pasta ingredient produced by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California. Consumers across more than 30 states are affected by the recall.

What Is Listeria and Why It’s a Serious Threat

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous to certain vulnerable groups. While anyone can be infected, the most severe risks are to:

• Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth)
• Newborns
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems

Listeriosis symptoms can vary in intensity, from mild gastrointestinal issues to life-threatening complications like meningitis, sepsis, and neurological damage. In rare cases, it leads to death, as seen in the current outbreak.

Listeria is especially problematic in cold-stored, ready-to-eat foods like pasta salads and deli meals. Unlike many bacteria, it thrives in refrigerated environments and may continue growing in sealed containers.

Timeline and Scope of the Recall

The outbreak was first connected to chicken Alfredo meals sold earlier in 2025. Testing eventually linked the outbreak to pasta products manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods. The affected pasta was distributed across multiple national retailers and used in pre-made salads and meals under various store brands.

The most recent recall includes multiple food retailers and distributors:

• The Kroger Co. (including Ralphs, Smith’s, Fred Meyer, and others)
• Giant Eagle and Market District
• Albertsons Companies (including Safeway, Vons, Tom Thumb, Randalls)
• Demers Food Group (Scott & Jon’s brand)

More recalls are expected as the investigation continues and new distribution links are uncovered.

Full List of Affected Brands and States

Kroger Family of Stores (28 States)

Recalled Products:

• Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad
• Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad

Brands Include:

Kroger, Ralphs, Smith’s, Dillons, Fry’s, Payless, and more,

States Impacted:

Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.

Giant Eagle and Market District (4 States)

Recalled Product:

• Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
• UPC Codes: 256616000000, 246511000000, 246512000000
• Sold by weight and in various sizes

States Impacted:

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana

Scott & Jon’s Frozen Shrimp Scampi with Linguini (Nationwide)

Distributor: Demers Food Group

UPC: 858175003919

Lot Codes: S254522 through S263522

Expiration Dates: March 12–21, 2027

Albertsons Companies (15 States)

Recalled Products:

• Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
• Grilled Chicken & Basil Pasta
• Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad
• Smoked Mozzarella Pasta with Hot Links
• Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad Kit

Stores Impacted:

Albertsons, Safeway, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, Amigos, Andronico’s, Randalls, Market Street, and more.

States Impacted:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming

How to Identify Recalled Pasta Products

Consumers should carefully check packaging for the following:

• UPC numbers listed in the recall notices
• Sell-by or use-by dates (generally from late August to early October 2025)
• Brand names and lot codes provided in recall databases

Photos of labels are available on each retailer’s website and the FDA’s recall page. All products should be discarded immediately or returned for a refund. Do not consume under any circumstances.

Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear between 3 to 70 days after consuming contaminated food. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stiff neck or confusion in severe cases

Pregnant individuals may experience only mild symptoms but risk serious complications for the unborn child. Immediate medical care is recommended for any suspected exposure, especially if symptoms develop within two months of consuming recalled products.

Legal Rights and Lawsuit Eligibility

Individuals who were hospitalized or became seriously ill after consuming a recalled pasta product may be entitled to file a product liability lawsuit. These claims may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term care needs
• Wrongful death for families who lost a loved one

Liability can extend to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, depending on the facts of the case. Prompt documentation, including purchase records and medical diagnoses, can support a claim.

Because Listeria-related injuries can be catastrophic, the legal stakes are high, and compensation may be substantial for qualifying victims.

Holding Food Companies Accountable

Companies have a legal duty to produce safe food. This includes:

• Properly sanitizing manufacturing equipment
• Performing batch testing for pathogens
• Issuing timely recalls when contamination is detected

When those steps fail, consumers suffer. Lawsuits not only help victims recover damages—they push companies to improve food safety practices.

If you or a loved one was hospitalized, lost a pregnancy, or required extensive treatment after consuming one of these recalled meals, your next step should be consulting a product liability attorney.

Listeria Pasta Recall Lawsuit FAQs

1. Who can file a lawsuit related to the pasta recall?  Anyone who became seriously ill from consuming a recalled pasta product or lost a loved one due to listeriosis may have a valid legal claim. Pregnant women who experienced complications may also qualify.
2. Do I still need the packaging to file a claim?  While packaging helps, it is not always required. Proof of purchase, leftover product samples, and medical records can help establish a link between illness and the recalled food.
3. How long do I have to take legal action?  Every state has a statute of limitations, which typically ranges from 1 to 4 years. You should speak to a personal injury lawyer immediately to avoid missing any deadlines.
4. What compensation can I recover in a Listeria lawsuit?  You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, future care needs, emotional distress, and more. In cases of death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims.
5. Is there a class action lawsuit for this recall?  At this time, most claims are expected to be handled as individual lawsuits. However, mass tort litigation may emerge depending on the number of victims and the severity of harm.
6. What symptoms should I report to a doctor?  You should immediately report symptoms such as fever, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, and confusion if you consumed a recalled product within the last two months.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a family member became ill after consuming a recalled pasta meal, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm currently reviewing Listeria contamination claims. We have helped thousands of food poisoning victims nationwide and can evaluate your case at no cost.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free consultation. Don’t wait—your rights may be time-limited. Let us help you hold those responsible accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.