Hawaii and Oregon are grappling with the aftermath of a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta products, as health officials report two more fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the total death toll has now reached six, with a notable rise in hospitalizations. Health authorities are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for potentially contaminated products.
Nate’s Fine Foods Inc. recalled nine meal products intended for microwaving, which are available in refrigerated and frozen sections of numerous retailers—including major chains like Kroger and Walmart. The latest CDC update highlights an additional seven illnesses reported as part of this growing outbreak, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 27 across 18 states since August.
State health officials are collaborating with the CDC to determine the source of these illnesses and are investigating whether additional food items could be contaminated. As hospitals manage an increasing number of cases, the CDC noted that infection rates may be underreported, as many cases go untested and unrecalled once individuals recover without medical intervention.
To date, six of the reported hospitalizations have occurred within the last two months, leading to heightened public health alerts regarding the affected products. The CDC recommends that consumers refrain from consuming recalled items and emphasizes the importance of thorough cleaning of any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated foods.
Recent updates from the FDA have expanded the list of pasta products involved in the recall, with the agency confirming that Nate’s Fine Foods does not sell directly to consumers but is cooperating with retailers to address the issue. Consumers unsure of their purchased items are encouraged to reach out to their local stores for clarification.
Among the added recalled products are various pasta salads and entrees, including Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, which carries use-by dates extending into late 2025, and Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls, with expiration dates in 2027. The CDC lists specific items that consumers should be aware of and watch for in their homes.
Listeria, the bacterium at the center of this outbreak, can lead to severe illness, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, newborns, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. The agency estimates that around 1,250 people in the U.S. contract listeriosis each year, with a significant mortality rate.
As authorities work to pinpoint the outbreak’s health risks, the public is advised to remain vigilant and check for safety alerts related to pasta products. The ongoing investigation underscores the need for transparency and rapid response in situations involving food safety to protect consumers across the nation.