Pasta Meals Sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert last week for two ready-to-eat pasta meals that may be contaminated with Listeria.

The products—sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s—are part of a larger ongoing investigation into a Listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals, first announced in June 2025.

Here’s what you need to know about the newest public health alert and the ongoing outbreak.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) listed two items as part of a public health alert, issued Sept. 25.

MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE

• Description: 12-oz. clear plastic trays
• “Best if used by” dates: SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; or SEP 30, 2025
• Establishment numbers: EST. 50784 or EST. 47718

TRADER JOE’S CAJUN STYLE BLACKENED CHICKEN BREAST FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

• Description: 16-oz. plastic trays
• “Best if used by” dates: 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, or 9/27/2025
• Establishment number: P-45288

The products were sold nationwide at Walmart and Trader Joe’s stores. Though the items are no longer on store shelves or available for purchase, FSIS said they may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. See photos of the affected products here.

A recall issued by FreshRealm in June listed the following products associated with the Listeria outbreak as well:

MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken and Shaved Parmesan Cheese

• Description: 32.8-oz. tray packages
• Best-by date: 06/27/25 or prior
• Establishment numbers: EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, or EST. P-47718

MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken, Broccoli and Shaved Parmesan Cheese

• Description: 12.3-oz. tray packages
• Best-by date: 06/27/25 or prior
• Establishment numbers: EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, or EST. P-47718

HOME CHEF Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese

• Description: 12.5-oz. tray packages
• Best-by date: 06/19/25 or prior
• Establishment numbers: EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, or EST. P-47718

Those products were sold nationwide at Walmart and Kroger, but are no longer available on store shelves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 20 people across 15 states have been infected with the Listeria strain associated with the current outbreak.

Overall, 19 people were hospitalized for their symptoms, and four people died—one person each from Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Utah. One illness in a pregnant person also resulted in fetal loss.

The CDC also noted that the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and more states may also have illnesses. The possible discrepancy is due to some people recovering without medical care or not reporting their illnesses.

If there’s a chance you recently bought any of the affected meals from Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or Kroger, check your fridge or freezer immediately and throw them away, or return them to the place of purchase.

If you had any of the meals in your kitchen, it’s also a good idea to clean the refrigerator, surfaces, or containers that may have touched the food. (Listeria can survive in the fridge and easily spread.)

If you suspect you may have eaten any of the meals potentially contaminated with Listeria, you should also keep an eye out for the following symptoms—especially if you’re pregnant, over 65 years old, or have a weakened immune system—and let your doctor know:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions

Those symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but symptoms can start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.