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A nationwide listeria outbreak tied to pre-made frozen pasta meals has led to four deaths, multiple hospitalizations, and a sweeping investigation by federal food safety officials. The outbreak, which has spread to at least 15 states, has been linked to meals sold at Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s under brand names such as Marketside, Home Chef, and Trader Joe’s own line of products. 

Timeline of the Outbreak

The outbreak first came to light in June 2024, when FreshRealm, a major meal manufacturer, recalled its chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart. Those products were distributed nationwide under the Marketside and Home Chef brands. At that time, 17 Listeria cases had been reported in 13 states, resulting in three deaths and 16 hospitalizations. 

Since then, the outbreak has expanded. By late September 2025, officials reported 20 confirmed listeria cases across 15 states, including four deaths. The newest cases included two in California and one in Utah. States previously affected include Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. 

Products Under Recall or Alert

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) recently issued a public health alert that added two additional products to the list of concern: 

• Trader Joe’s Cajun-style blackened chicken breast fettuccine Alfredo
  16 oz plastic tray packages with “best if used by” dates of 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, or 9/27/2025. 
• Walmart’s Marketside linguine with beef meatballs and marinara sauce
  12 oz clear plastic tray packages with “best if used by” dates Sep 22, 2025; Sep 24, 2025; Sep 25, 20205; Sep 29, 2025; Sep 30, 2025; and Oct 01, 2025. 

What Makes Listeria a Serious Threat?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause a severe infection known as listeriosis. While healthy individuals may experience mild illness, the infection poses a serious risk to:

• Pregnant women and their newborns
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems

Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of eating contaminated food. They include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and, in severe cases, bloodstream or nervous system infections. Because listeria infections can be life-threatening, prompt medical care is critical. 

Legal and Consumer Implications

Foodborne illness outbreaks often raise complex questions about product safety and corporate responsibility. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are expected to maintain strict food safety standards. When contaminated products reach consumers, investigations may reveal lapses in oversight or quality control within the supply chain. 

Those who suffer serious illness may face not only medical expenses but also long recovery times, lost income, and lasting health consequences. While public agencies investigate the source and scope of the contamination, consumers should remain informed and exercise caution with potentially affected products. 

What Should Consumers Do?

Public health officials recommend that anyone who purchased the affected meals take the following steps:

• Do not eat the product. Dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase. 
• Check labels and best-by dates. Compare them with the items identified in the recall and health alert.
• Monitor your health. If you ate one of the products, watch for symptoms for up to two weeks. 
• Seek medical attention. If you develop fever, muscle aches, or neurological symptoms, contact a healthcare provider right away.

Consumers can stay updated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). 

If you or a loved one has become ill after eating one of the recalled frozen meals, Singleton Schreiber may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options.