Introduction to the Outbreak
Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain heat-and-eat beef meatball pasta meals sold at Walmart stores because they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria previously linked to a deadly outbreak.
The U.S. Agriculture Department issued a public health alert late Thursday for Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce sold in refrigerated 12-ounce clear plastic trays. The products have best-by dates of Sept. 22 through Oct. 1 and may still be in consumer’s refrigerators.
Identifying the Affected Products
The affected meals contain the establishment numbers “EST. 50784” and “EST. 47718” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label. They were sent to Walmart stores nationwide. No recall has been issued, but FreshRealm, a large food producer that distributed the products, said they advised Walmart this week to pull the meals from store shelves. Additional products may be identified, according to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Connection to Previous Outbreak
The meals may be contaminated with the same strain of listeria that caused an outbreak tied to chicken fettuccine Alfredo sold at Walmart and Kroger stores. Three people were killed and at least 17 were sickened in that outbreak, which led to a large recall this summer. FreshRealm conducted tests that detected the listeria in linguine used in the meatball dish, company officials said. The strain matched the listeria identified in the chicken fettuccine Alfredo outbreak, the company said.
Source of the Contamination
“We have long maintained that the source of the listeria was likely an ingredient supplied by a third party,” the company said in a statement. The pasta came from Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. The company did not immediately respond to questions.
Risks and Symptoms of Listeria Infections
Listeria infections can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant or their newborns. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. About 1,600 people get sick each year from listeria infections and about 260 die, the CDC says.
Prevention and Response
Federal officials in December said they were revamping protocols to prevent listeria infections after several high-profile outbreaks, including one linked to Boar’s Head deli meats that led to 10 deaths and more than 60 illnesses last year. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Conclusion
The potential contamination of Walmart meatball meals with listeria bacteria is a serious concern that requires immediate attention from consumers and authorities alike. Given the link to a previous deadly outbreak, it is crucial for people to check their refrigerators for the affected products and follow the guidelines provided by health officials to avoid any potential harm.
FAQs
- Q: What products are affected by the potential listeria contamination?
A: Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce sold in refrigerated 12-ounce clear plastic trays with best-by dates of Sept. 22 through Oct. 1 are affected. - Q: How can I identify if I have the affected product?
A: Check the label for the establishment numbers “EST. 50784” and “EST. 47718” inside the USDA mark of inspection. - Q: What are the symptoms of listeria infections?
A: Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. - Q: Who is most at risk from listeria infections?
A: Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant or their newborns are most at risk. - Q: What should I do if I have consumed the affected product?
A: Monitor your health for symptoms of listeria infection and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms.
Originally Published: September 26, 2025 at 12:47 PM EDT
By JONEL ALECCIA, AP Health Writer
