A multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections has led to the recall of certain prepared pasta meals. Health officials confirm that 27 people across 18 states have become ill, 25 of them hospitalized, and six have died in connection with the outbreak.
The recall affects a range of ready-to-eat pasta dishes, including fettuccine alfredo, linguine meatballs, and bowtie (farfalle) pastas, produced using contaminated pre-cooked pasta supplies.
In this article you will find:
- The list of the 18 states where illnesses have been reported
- How the recall unfolded and which products are implicated
- Who is most at risk — and what symptoms to watch for
- What you should do if you live in an affected state
States Hit Hardest By The Listeria Outbreak
The Listeria outbreak has spread across a wide geographical area, with 18 states reporting confirmed cases tied to contaminated prepared pasta meals. These states cover regions in the West, Southeast, and Midwest of the United States. Here is the full list of states that have been hardest hit:
- California
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
Each of these states has reported at least one confirmed case of infection, with many reporting multiple cases. The outbreak has led to 27 illnesses in total, 25 hospitalizations, and six fatalities, including one pregnancy-associated fetal loss. The broad spread reflects the nationwide distribution of the recalled products.
How The Outbreak Unfolded
Public health officials used whole genome sequencing (WGS) and epidemiologic investigation to tie illnesses to the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Key insights in the investigation:
- In March 2025, routine sampling detected the outbreak strain in a FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo product.
- FreshRealm traced its ingredients and found that certain pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods tested positive for the same strain.
- Some contaminated products were never distributed, but many already were in circulation.
- On September 25, 2025, USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert expanding the recall to include more meals and ingredients.
- Health officials warn that the distribution network is nationwide, so even states without confirmed illnesses may have received contaminated product
Who Is At Greatest Risk?
Listeria infection (listeriosis) tends to be more severe in certain populations. Symptoms may appear days to several weeks after exposure.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Pregnant people and fetuses (can cause miscarriage, stillbirth)
- Older adults (65+ years)
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy patients, transplant recipients)
- People with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, liver or kidney disease)
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, headache and stiff neck; more severe infection may cause confusion, loss of balance, or seizures
What You Should Do If You Live In Affected Or Nearby State
Even if your state is not explicitly named, because the recall network is broad, you should act cautiously:
- Check your refrigerator or freezer for any of the recalled products listed above
- If you find one, do not eat it — discard or return it to the store for refund
- Thoroughly clean surfaces, containers, and refrigerators where the product was stored
- Monitor for symptoms if you have eaten any of the implicated foods; seek medical attention promptly
- Pregnant people and high-risk individuals should be especially alert and consult health providers
Also, stay updated through the CDC, FDA, or USDA FSIS for recall expansions and updates.
Wrapping Up
This listeria-linked pasta recall now spans 18 states, covering a broad distribution network of ready-to-eat meals and deli pasta salads. Even if your state is not yet named, the recall’s reach makes vigilance essential.
Check your fridge, discard suspicious items, clean thoroughly, and monitor for symptoms—especially if you belong to a high-risk group. Public health agencies continue to investigate and refine the recall list, so staying informed is your best defense.
