Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Other Stores Recall Pasta Meals Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak

Prepared Meals Recalled Nationwide After FDA Confirms Listeria Contamination Behind 4 Deaths and 20 Serious Infections

Consumers across the United States are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled pasta meals linked to a growing Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has already claimed the lives of four individuals and caused serious illness in at least 20 others across 15 states.

The outbreak has been tied to prepackaged pasta meals distributed through major grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, and others. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working together to track down the source of the contamination, which has been linked to meals produced by Nate’s Fine Foods and FreshRealm.

The outbreak has been under investigation since June 2025, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming a match between the contaminated meals and genetically related strains of Listeria found in patients who fell ill or died.

Which Products Are Involved in the Listeria Recall?

The following pasta products have been recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous foodborne pathogen:

• Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz.)
• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12 oz.)
• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3 oz. and 32.8 oz.)
• Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz.)
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls (9.6 oz.)
• Albertsons deli bowtie pasta dishes (sold in various in-store deli departments)

While some of these items are no longer available for sale, many were widely distributed between June and September 2025, and may still be present in consumer households.

The FDA has issued guidance urging consumers to dispose of these products immediately or return them to the point of purchase. Thorough cleaning of any surfaces that came into contact with these meals—including countertops, refrigerators, and utensils—is also strongly recommended.

How Listeria Contamination Happens in Ready-to-Eat Foods

Unlike other foodborne pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes can survive and even multiply in cold environments, such as refrigerators and freezers. This makes it particularly dangerous in ready-to-eat foods, where no additional cooking is required before consumption.

Contamination can occur:

• During processing, if equipment is not properly sanitized
• When raw ingredients carry the bacteria into the production line
• Through cross-contamination from surfaces, packaging, or personnel
• If cooling or packaging procedures fail to eliminate or contain bacterial growth

Investigators believe contamination in this case likely originated from an ingredient supplied to FreshRealm, which was then used in pre-cooked pasta meals distributed under various brand names.

A FreshRealm spokesperson admitted that Listeria was detected in a third-party ingredient, and emphasized that they immediately notified the supplier and federal authorities upon discovery.

How Dangerous Is Listeria Infection?

Listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening infection that affects thousands of people in the U.S. each year. According to the CDC:

• About 1,250 people are diagnosed with listeriosis annually
• Nearly all cases result in hospitalization
• Approximately 1 in 5 patients die from the infection

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Headache and confusion
• Stiff neck or loss of coordination
• Convulsions

While healthy individuals may only experience mild symptoms, pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Among pregnant individuals, 1 in 4 Listeria infections result in miscarriage or stillbirth.

The bacteria can also cause sepsis, meningitis, and permanent neurological damage when left untreated or when diagnosis is delayed.

FDA and USDA Investigations Ongoing

Both the FDA and USDA are continuing to investigate the source and scope of the outbreak. So far, cases of listeriosis have been confirmed in California, Texas, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, and ten other states.

Manufacturers and retailers are cooperating with federal regulators, but criticism remains regarding the speed and effectiveness of food safety controls, particularly in ready-to-eat facilities where Listeria can persist undetected.

Consumer safety advocates are urging the FDA and FSIS to increase random testing and strengthen penalties for companies that fail to maintain clean facilities or adequately test raw ingredients.

Can You Sue for Listeria Food Poisoning?

Victims of listeriosis may have legal grounds to file a product liability or wrongful death lawsuit if their illness can be traced to contaminated food. In this outbreak, the genetic fingerprint of the Listeria strain found in patients has been matched to products in the recall list, strengthening potential legal claims.

Compensation in Listeria lawsuits may cover:

• Medical expenses (hospitalization, antibiotics, follow-up care)
• Lost wages or loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Funeral costs in fatal cases
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

If a food company or manufacturer distributed products contaminated with Listeria due to poor safety practices, they may be held legally accountable for the harm caused.

Families Deserve Accountability After Listeria-Related Deaths

Four families have already lost loved ones in this outbreak. The CDC has confirmed that these deaths are directly tied to consumption of contaminated pasta products sold under brands like Trader Joe’s and Walmart’s Marketside.

If your family member died after developing listeriosis linked to these products, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the companies involved. These claims seek justice and financial support for spouses, children, and dependents affected by preventable loss.

Who Is Most at Risk for Listeria Complications?

• Pregnant women
• Newborn infants
• Seniors (age 65+)
• People with cancer, HIV, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions
• Transplant recipients or anyone on immunosuppressive therapy

Anyone in these high-risk groups should avoid consuming recalled foods, and immediately seek medical care if symptoms develop.

Listeria Food Poisoning Lawsuit FAQs

What should I do if I ate a recalled pasta product?

Monitor for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or stiff neck. If you experience any of these, especially if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor about the potential Listeria exposure.

Can I sue if I got sick from Listeria-contaminated pasta?

Yes. If your illness is connected to a recalled product, you may file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or retailer. This includes claims for hospitalization, long-term effects, or pain and suffering.

How can I prove that the food caused my illness?

Medical records, lab test results showing Listeria monocytogenes, and purchase receipts can help establish a link. The CDC’s genetic testing also supports causation in confirmed cases.

What damages can I recover in a Listeria lawsuit?

You may recover costs for emergency care, hospitalization, lost income, long-term medical expenses, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and survivor damages.

Do I need to be hospitalized to file a claim?

Not necessarily. If your symptoms were medically documented and linked to contaminated food, you may still have a valid legal claim even without overnight hospitalization.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Time limits (statutes of limitation) vary by state, but it’s important to act quickly. An attorney can help preserve evidence and file your claim within the required timeframe.

Has Parker Waichman LLP filed cases in this outbreak?

Yes. Our firm is actively investigating and filing cases on behalf of individuals and families affected by this Listeria outbreak. We represent clients in all 50 states.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered Listeria-related illness, hospitalization, pregnancy complications, or wrongful death after consuming Trader Joe’s, Walmart, or other recalled pasta meals, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

Parker Waichman LLP, a leading national product liability law firm, is actively investigating claims related to this outbreak. We represent clients in all 50 states and are committed to holding negligent food manufacturers and distributors accountable.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free consultation. Don’t wait—food poisoning lawsuits are time-sensitive. Let our team help you pursue justice and recover what you’re owed.