Introduction to the Listeria Outbreak

A listeria outbreak that federal health officials say has swept through 18 states, killing half a dozen people and causing more than two dozen hospitalizations has been linked to frozen pasta available at stores including Trader Joe’s and Walmart.

Background of the Outbreak

A national food safety investigation into the outbreak traced the illnesses to recalled frozen meals that sourced pasta from a Northern California company. As of late October, the outbreak had killed six people, as well as sickened 27, the majority of whom were hospitalized, according to the most recent update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups

In one case, a pregnant woman miscarried after becoming ill, the agency said. The prepared pasta meals were sold at grocery chains nationwide; besides Trader Joe’s and Walmart, they were available at Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market and other major grocery stores.

Identification of the Supplier

The supplier, Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., based in Roseville, expanded its list of recalled products in September and again in October. Nate’s Fine Foods said in a statement on its website that it was recalling the products out of an “abundance of caution,” and that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had conducted extensive testing at its facility but that results had come back negative.

Response from Nate’s Fine Foods

“To date, no government agency has found any evidence of the specific Listeria monocytogenes strain identified in the outbreak in its thorough testing at Nate’s Fine Foods’ facility or in products under its jurisdiction,” the company said in a Tuesday statement. The outbreak began in June, prompting recalls of chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals made by another company, FreshRealm Inc.

Investigation and Recall Process

FreshRealm began testing samples of pasta, which came back positive for Listeria monocytogenes in September. The pasta supplier was Nate’s Fine Foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recalled products with use-by dates in late September and early October included Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, sold at Walmart, and Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo. Products with mid- to late-October sell-by dates included Sprouts Farmers Market smoked mozzarella pasta salad and Scott & Jon’s shrimp scampi with linguini bowl, a precooked frozen meal.

Conclusion

The listeria outbreak linked to frozen pasta sold at major grocery stores across the U.S. has resulted in significant health consequences, including deaths and hospitalizations. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the recalled products and to follow proper food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of listeria infection.

FAQs

• Q: What is the source of the listeria outbreak?
  A: The outbreak has been linked to frozen pasta sourced from Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., a company based in Northern California.
• Q: Which stores sold the recalled products?
  A: The recalled frozen pasta meals were sold at various grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
• Q: What are the symptoms of listeria infection?
  A: Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, listeria infection can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Q: How can I protect myself from listeria infection?
  A: To minimize the risk, always check the recall lists for affected products, handle and store food safely, cook food to the recommended internal temperature, and avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and raw sprouts.