Multi-State Recall Expands Following Deadly Listeria Outbreak
The Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to prepackaged pasta meals has widened, prompting recalls across 15 states and involving products sold at Trader Joe’s,Walmart, Albertsons, and several affiliated grocery chains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, and four deaths connected to the outbreak so far.
Affected Products and Retailers
The recall includes Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, along with select Albertsons deli pasta salads produced by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods.
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo — Best If Used By September 20, 24, and 27, 2025, and September 20, 2025, or later in AZ, CA, NV, NM, and UT.
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce — 12-oz trays with Best If Used By September 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and October 1, 2025.
- Albertsons product recall covers the following store-made deli items:
PRODUCT NAME | UPC | SELL THRU DATES | STORES | STATES |
READY MEALS PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 27133000000 | SEP 13 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Albertsons, Safeway | CO, NE, NM, SD, WY |
BASIL PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 29492100000 | SEP 13 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Albertsons, Safeway | CO, NE, NM, SD, WY |
READY MEALS PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 27133000000 | SEP 8 25 Thru SEP 26 25 | Albertsons, Pavilions, Safeway, Vons | AZ, CA, NV, NM, TX, UT |
BASIL PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 29492100000 | SEP 8 25 Thru SEP 26 25 | Albertsons, Pavilions, Safeway, Vons | AZ, CA, NV, NM, TX, UT |
READY MEALS PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 27133000000 | SEP 20 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Albertsons, Randalls, Tom Thumb | AR, LA, OK, TX |
BASIL PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 29492100000 | SEP 20 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Albertsons, Randalls, Tom Thumb | AR, LA, OK, TX |
BASIL PESTO BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 21649200000 | SEP 11 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Safeway, Andronico’s Community Markets, Vons, Pak ‘N Save | CA, HI, NV |
GRILLED CHICKEN & BASIL PASTA EXTRA LARGE | 21303500000 | SEP 18 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Safeway | AK |
READY MEALS BASIL PESTO BOWTIE SALAD | 29130800000 | SEP 18 25 Thru SEP 29 25 | Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Safeway | AK |
READY MEALS SPINACH BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 21142600000 | SEP 16 25 Thru SEP 26 25 | United, Amigos, Market Street, Albertsons Market | NM, TX |
READY MEALS BASIL BOWTIE PASTA SALAD | 21191300000 | SEP 16 25 Thru OCT 04 25 | Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Safeway | AK |
READYMEALS SMOKED MOZZARELLA WITH HOT LINKS EXTRA LARGE | 20000300000 | SEP 25 25 Thru OCT 04 25 | Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Safeway | AK |
READYMEALS SMOKED MOZZARELLA PENNE PASTA SALAD | 29129800000 | SEP 25 25 Thru OCT 04 25 | Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Safeway | AK |
While no Trader Joe’s or Walmart products have tested positive for Listeria, the recall was issued out of an abundance of caution after testing at another brand using the same ingredient source revealed contamination.
Why It's Important
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly among pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The bacteria typically enters food during processing or packaging, especially in refrigerated environments where it can survive for extended periods. Once inside a fridge, Listeria can spread between surfaces and other foods, raising the risk of cross-contamination even after the source product is removed.
What You Should do
If you purchased any of the affected meals, do not eat them. Discard the products immediately or return them to the retailer for a full refund—no receipt required. The CDC also advises consumers to clean and sanitize refrigerators, containers, and countertops that may have come in contact with these foods.
A complete list of affected stores and recall details is available on Trader Joe’s official recall page and the CDC outbreak tracker.
The Bigger Picture
The CDC’s investigation remains open, and additional recalls are possible as testing continues. For now, officials are urging consumers to check product labels, clean refrigerators thoroughly, and stay alert for future updates. As food safety reminders go, this one’s simple—check twice, toss once. Be safe, be informed.