Overview

• Federal agencies issued new notices on Sept. 30 that broaden recalls and public health alerts for ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Kroger and Albertsons.
• The CDC reports 20 infections across 15 states, including 19 hospitalizations, four deaths and one pregnancy-associated fetal loss.
• Investigators tied the outbreak strain to a pasta ingredient in the FreshRealm supply chain, with supplier Nate’s Fine Foods identified in FDA postings.
• USDA FSIS found the outbreak strain in a FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo sample in March, prompting a June recall that has since grown to include additional retailer-branded items.
• Health officials urge consumers to discard recalled products and thoroughly clean refrigerators and surfaces because Listeria can persist at cold temperatures and spread to other foods.