A deadly Listeria outbreak linked to recalled pasta meals has raised urgent food safety concerns nationwide. With seven fatalities and 27 hospitalizations reported, Walmart and Kroger chicken alfredo products remain under scrutiny despite recalls.

Federal health agencies warn consumers to immediately check their kitchens for affected items, as new infections continue emerging across 18 states. The CDC confirms contaminated products may still be present in homes, posing ongoing health risks.

Deadly Listeria Outbreak in Recalled Pasta Meals: Are Walmart and Kroger Chicken Alfredo Products Still a Risk?

The Current Status of the Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Pasta Meals

The FDA has expanded its recall of pasta products connected to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has now affected 18 states. At least 7 deaths and 27 hospitalizations have been reported, with new cases continuing to emerge despite recall efforts. The outbreak has been traced to ready-to-eat pasta meals produced by Nate’s Fine Foods and sold under various brand names at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.

Health officials emphasize that contaminated products may still be in consumers’ homes due to the long shelf life of refrigerated pasta meals. The CDC warns that Listeria can survive and multiply in refrigerated conditions, making proper disposal of recalled items critical. Affected products include chicken alfredo, macaroni and cheese, and other prepared pasta dishes with sell-by dates ranging from October 2024 through February 2025.

This outbreak demonstrates why consumers must treat food recalls with utmost seriousness, especially for refrigerated ready-to-eat products where Listeria thrives.

How to Identify Recalled Pasta Products in Your Home

Checking Product Labels and UPC Codes

Consumers should examine all refrigerated pasta meals for these identifying marks:

• Manufacturer codes beginning with “NF” (Nate’s Fine Foods)
• UPC codes matching those on the FDA recall list
• “Best by” dates between 10/15/24 and 2/28/25

Retailers Affected by the Recall

The following store brands have been impacted:

Many consumers don’t realize that store-brand products often come from the same suppliers – this outbreak proves why traceability matters.

Understanding Listeria: Symptoms and Health Risks

Listeria monocytogenes poses particular dangers because:

• It has an unusually long incubation period (3-70 days)
• It can cross the placental barrier in pregnant women
• Mortality rates approach 20% in vulnerable populations

Common symptoms include:

1. Fever and muscle aches
2. Headache and stiff neck
3. Gastrointestinal distress
4. Confusion or balance issues in severe cases

What’s terrifying is that healthy adults might only experience mild symptoms while unknowingly spreading the bacteria to vulnerable family members.

Are Walmart and Kroger Still Selling Contaminated Products?

While major retailers have removed recalled items from shelves, concerns remain because:

• Some products may have been purchased before the recall
• Secondary distributors might still have inventory
• Cross-contamination could affect other products

The FDA continues to find recalled products in unexpected locations, including school cafeterias and hospital kitchens. Consumers should verify any refrigerated pasta meals purchased since September 2024, even if from unaffected brands.

Legal Implications and Consumer Rights Regarding the Outbreak

Food safety attorneys report growing interest in litigation related to:

This situation highlights why proper food safety protocols aren’t just ethical obligations – they’re financial necessities for businesses.

Safe Alternatives to Recalled Pasta Products

Consumers seeking safe ready-to-eat options should consider:

• Freshly prepared pasta from local restaurants
• Frozen pasta meals from unaffected brands
• Simple homemade versions using quality ingredients

When choosing alternatives:

1. Verify manufacturer information
2. Check recall lists daily for updates
3. When in doubt, choose non-refrigerated options

This outbreak may ultimately lead more consumers to question the convenience of ready-to-eat meals versus food safety risks.

How to Protect Yourself From Future Foodborne Illnesses

Food safety experts recommend these practices:

• Register purchased products for recall notifications
• Maintain refrigerator temperatures below 40°F
• Practice strict kitchen hygiene
• Follow @FDArecalls on social media

The CDC emphasizes that high-risk individuals (pregnant women, elderly, immunocompromised) should avoid all refrigerated ready-to-eat foods unless heated to 165°F.

This tragic outbreak serves as a stark reminder that food safety requires constant vigilance from manufacturers, regulators, retailers, and consumers alike.