Six people have died and 25 have been hospitalised in the United States following an outbreak of listeria linked to precooked pasta meals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced. The outbreak, first declared in June, has now spread across 18 states, with one pregnancy-associated illness resulting in a fetal loss.
The affected pasta products, including linguine and farfalle, were sold by retailers such as Trader Joe's, Albertsons, Kroger, and Sprouts Farmers Market. The supplier, Nate's Fine Foods, discovered listeria in a sample of its pasta and issued a voluntary recall in September, stating it was committed to the highest standards of food safety.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, with symptoms including headache, muscle aches, diarrhoea and fever. High-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illness, including nervous system infections, miscarriages, and death.
The CDC has urged consumers to check their refrigerators for recalled products and clean any surfaces they may have touched. Those over 65, pregnant, or immunocompromised should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms after consuming the affected food.
