Six people have died and dozens have been hospitalised across 18 US states after an outbreak of listeria bacteria in pre-cooked pasta meals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak, first declared in June, has led to 25 hospitalisations and one pregnancy-related fetal loss. The CDC has urged consumers to check their refrigerators for recalled products and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.
The affected pasta varieties, 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, said it was voluntarily recalling products after a potential link to the outbreak was identified.
Listeria can cause listeriosis, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches and diarrhoea. High-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to severe illness or death.
The CDC listed affected products including FreshRealm’s Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo, and Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine. The outbreak has been detected in states from California to Florida.
