Hawaii and Oregon are mourning two recent fatalities linked to a listeria outbreak associated with pre-packaged pasta meals produced by Nate’s Fine Foods Inc. This alarming update raises the death toll to six, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to track the ongoing health crisis. The outbreak has resulted in a total of 27 reported illnesses across 18 states since it started in August.
As consumers and officials scramble to manage the outbreak, numerous retailers, including Kroger, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Albertsons, have pulled nine meal products from their shelves. These ready-to-eat meals, designed for microwave preparation, have been recalled due to potential contamination. The latest CDC alert, issued on Thursday, highlighted seven new illnesses since the agency’s previous update on September 25, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The CDC and the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service are actively working together to determine whether any additional foods may carry the listeria bacteria. They are urging the public to inspect their refrigerators and freezers for recalled items and to refrain from consuming any potentially affected products. According to health authorities, listeria can thrive in cold environments, making it crucial for consumers to take swift action.
Among the implicated products are items like Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo and Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs. As part of the safety initiative, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an updated list of affected items, adding detail to the scope of the recall. Affected products have varying use-by dates, some of which have already passed, raising concerns about public safety.
Local health officials stress that the total number of cases may be underestimated. Many individuals infected with listeriosis could recover without seeking medical help and thus may not be included in the official count. Symptoms of listeriosis, which can be severe, particularly for high-risk populations, include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which can escalate to more serious complications.
Further complicating the situation, new products implicated in the outbreak include Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad from Sprouts Farmers Market and Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi Bowls, both of which have specific “use-by” dates that could affect their safety. These recalls serve as a grim reminder of the potential risks associated with pre-packaged food items.
For those unsure about whether they have purchased any of the recalled products, health officials recommend checking with their retailers for additional guidance. The CDC also emphasizes the importance of properly cleaning surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with contaminated foods to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
The CDC reiterates that listeria is particularly hazardous for vulnerable groups, including pregnant individuals, newborns, and older adults. Infection can lead to severe health outcomes, including miscarriage or premature delivery in pregnant women. In the United States, listeriosis affects approximately 1,250 people each year, with about 172 fatalities annually.
Public health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely, encouraging anyone exhibiting symptoms to seek medical attention immediately and to inform healthcare providers of any recent consumption of the recalled pasta products. As the situation develops, ongoing consumer awareness and vigilance remain essential in preventing further illnesses connected to this outbreak.