Nate’s Fine Foods Pasta Listeria Illness and Wrongful Death Lawsuit Lawyers

FDA Expands Listeria Pasta Recall After 4 Deaths and 19 Hospitalizations: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a sweeping expansion of a pre-cooked pasta recall linked to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. As of October 10, 2025, four people have died and at least 19 others have been hospitalized after consuming contaminated pasta products distributed across the United States.

At the center of the outbreak is Nate’s Fine Foods, a California-based supplier of ready-to-eat pasta. One of the company’s linguine samples recently tested positive for Listeria, prompting an expanded recall that now includes a long list of products sold under multiple store brands at major retailers like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Sprouts, and Albertsons.

This recall affects millions of consumers nationwide and raises serious questions about how contaminated food made it to store shelves in the first place. The consequences for those affected can be life-threatening, especially for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

How the Recall Began and Expanded

The FDA first announced a Listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat pasta back in June 2025. Since then, the investigation has grown, and product testing has confirmed widespread contamination of various pasta salads and pre-cooked pasta products. The recent detection of Listeria in Nate’s Fine Foods linguine triggered a dramatic expansion of the recall.

Now, dozens of pasta products across multiple grocery chains have been pulled from shelves. The FDA has advised consumers to immediately discard or return any affected items and to sanitize any containers or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food.

The scope of this recall is substantial. Some of the affected products include:

• Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – Distributed in 23 states from 8/31/25 through 10/7/25.
• Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad – Sold in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Indiana.
• Kroger Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad – Distributed in over 20 states under various Kroger-owned store names.
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls – Sold nationwide to wholesalers and operators, with best-if-used-by dates extending into 2027.
• Albertsons Store-Made Deli Pasta Salads – Sold in-store at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, and others across more than a dozen states.

Full UPCs, sell-through dates, and lot codes are listed in the official FDA recall bulletin.

Why Listeria Is So Dangerous

Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly hazardous bacteria that thrives in cold storage environments. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, it can grow in refrigerators and survive freezing temperatures.

When consumed, Listeria can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis, which can lead to:

• Meningitis
• Septicemia (blood poisoning)
• Brain abscesses
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Death, especially among vulnerable populations

According to the FDA and CDC, pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk of serious complications.

Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, the illness can escalate rapidly into life-threatening conditions, especially if it reaches the central nervous system.

Tragic Outcomes: Deaths and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise

The FDA has confirmed that 20 individuals have contracted listeriosis linked to the recalled pasta products. Of those, at least four people have died, and 19 have been hospitalized as of October 10.

These numbers are likely to rise, as Listeria can have an incubation period of up to 70 days, meaning new cases may continue to emerge weeks after the exposure. Many of the most severe complications are irreversible or fatal.

This outbreak serves as a grim reminder that foodborne illness is not just a temporary inconvenience—it can result in permanent harm or death.

Legal Rights for Victims of Listeria Contamination

Consumers have a legal right to safe food. When contaminated products reach the public and cause serious harm, affected individuals may be entitled to financial compensation through a product liability lawsuit.

Pasta manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers may all share responsibility in a food safety failure of this magnitude. Victims may be able to file claims for:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and rehabilitation costs
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

The legal basis for these claims includes negligence, failure to warn, and strict liability for selling dangerous or contaminated food products.

Who May Qualify for a Listeria Recall Lawsuit

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one consumed a recalled pasta product and were later diagnosed with Listeria or listeriosis
• You suffered serious illness, hospitalization, miscarriage, or permanent injury
• A family member passed away due to listeriosis complications

Documentation such as hospital records, pathology reports, food receipts, and proof of purchase will help support your claim. Our legal team can assist in gathering evidence and connecting your illness to the outbreak.

Parker Waichman LLP is currently investigating and filing claims on behalf of affected individuals nationwide.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

The FDA urges all consumers to:

• Check your refrigerator and freezer for recalled pasta products
• Discard or return contaminated items to the store
• Wash and disinfect any surfaces, utensils, or storage containers that contacted the food
• Monitor for symptoms of Listeria, especially if you’re pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised

If you or a family member experiences fever, chills, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal distress after eating a recalled product, seek medical attention immediately.

FAQs: Listeria Pasta Recall Lawsuits

What is Listeria and how does it make you sick?

Listeria is a bacteria that causes a serious infection called listeriosis. It can result in fever, headaches, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis, septicemia, miscarriage, or death. It is especially dangerous for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

How do I know if I ate one of the recalled products?

Check your receipts, food labels, and freezer contents. Look for products with the listed UPCs, sell-through dates, and packaging types from the FDA recall notice. If you’re unsure, it’s safest to discard the item and sanitize any surfaces.

What should I do if I feel sick after eating recalled pasta?

Seek medical attention right away. Let your doctor know you may have consumed a product affected by the Listeria outbreak. Early treatment may prevent serious complications.

Can I file a lawsuit if I was diagnosed with Listeria?

Yes. If you were hospitalized, lost a pregnancy, or suffered serious illness after eating a recalled product, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Lawsuits can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Do I need proof of purchase to file a claim?

Proof of purchase helps strengthen your case, but it’s not always required. Our attorneys can help build a strong claim using medical records, product tracking data, and public recall information.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Listeria case?

Parker Waichman LLP works on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no legal fees unless we win your case. The consultation is free, and we’ll explain your legal options clearly.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one became seriously ill after consuming recalled pasta products linked to the current Listeria outbreak, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience in food poisoning and product liability litigation.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. Our legal team will review your case, explain your rights, and fight to hold negligent food suppliers accountable for the harm caused. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.