Introduction to the Recall
A public health alert is being issued for some ready-to-eat Walmart meals that may have pasta contaminated with listeria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a nationwide alert Thursday for packages of Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce.
Details of the Affected Products
The USDA said the meals contain pre-cooked pasta, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and could be contaminated with bacteria. The pre-made meal is sold in 12-oz. clear plastic tray packages and has “best if used by” dates SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025. The product bears establishment numbers “EST. 50784” or "EST. 47718" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The linguini and meatball meals were shipped to Walmart locations nationwide.
Reasons for the Recall
Recalls occur when manufacturers and distributors remove products “that present a risk of injury or gross deception or are otherwise defective,” according to the FDA. The USDA said consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis. This serious infection primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.
Investigation and Testing
The USDA said the company that makes the meals collected samples of the FDA-regulated pasta as part of an ongoing investigation into a listeria outbreak linked to Chicken Alfredo meals. The test confirmed that the linguini pasta was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the listeria detected is genetically related to the specific outbreak strain.
Consumer Actions
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Nate’s Fine Foods at 916-677-7303. Operating hours are between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.
Listeriosis Symptoms
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
Reporting Food Problems
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline at 1-888-674-6854 or email their questions to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day.
Conclusion
The recall of Walmart’s pre-made linguine meals due to potential listeria contamination is a serious public health issue. Consumers are advised to check their purchases and avoid consuming the affected products to prevent listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening infection. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.
FAQs
- Q: What products are being recalled?
A: Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce with specific “best if used by” dates. - Q: Why are these products being recalled?
A: Due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. - Q: What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
A: Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, among others. - Q: Who is most at risk from listeriosis?
A: Older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. - Q: What should consumers do with the recalled products?
A: Consumers should not consume them and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
