Symptoms explained as six people found dead after eating popular ready-meal pasta sold at US supermarkets

Americans across the country are being urgently asked to double-check their refrigerators as listeria cases continue to grow after ingesting contaminated ready meals

So far, six people have died after tucking into pre-cooked pasta meals from Nate’s Fine Foods, a popular chain of meals sold at major grocery stores including Trader Joe's, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger and Walmart.

Since the last CDC case count update on September 25, a total of seven new illnesses from three states have been reported, along with two additional deaths, according to the FDA.

To date, the total number of people infected has risen to 27, across 18 states. Of the 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized, and six deaths have been reported.

It is understood that the meals were infected with listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for causing listeria.

Some Trader Joe's pasta is affected (FDA)

The FDA also flagged Marketside products (FDA)

As a result, the meals have been temporarily withdrawn from sale, with shoppers urged to check their fridges and dispose of the items, with certain pre-cooked pasta meals, including fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle (bowtie), among those that have been recalled

Addressing safety concerns, Nate's Fine Foods said in a press statement: "Nate's Fine Foods is committed to the highest standards of food safety and the well-being of our consumers. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling select products after being notified of a potential link to a multistate outbreak of listeria monocytogenes.

"We are in the process of committing our resources to continuing our previously impeccable food safety record by being diligent in our investigation.

"We are working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health officials to fully investigate the source. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of the people who enjoy our products, and we will continue to take all appropriate steps until this matter is resolved."

Listeria is a form of bacteria that can cause a life-threatening illness (Ruslanas Baranauska/Science Photo Library / Getty Images )

What is listeria?

Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by bacteria called listeria.

Most people infected with the condition will make a full recovery, however in some cases it can prove to be life-threatening and make people very poorly.

Listeriosis is usually caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria, but it can also sometimes be spread via contact with someone else who has it, or from close contact with farm animals.

What are the symptoms of the infection?

According to the CDC, there are a number of different symptoms to look out for, including:

· Fever

· Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue

· Headache

· Stiff neck

· Confusion

· Loss of balance

· Seizures

Intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also possible.

How is it treated?

For most people, listeriosis is only a mild illness and gets better without any intervention in a few days.

You can usually look after yourself at home by resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

Some people, however, have a higher risk of complications, such as pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems. In these cases, they may need antibiotics.

Scott and Jon's Shrimp Scampi is amongst the recalled products (Scott and Jon's)

Which products are impacted by the recall?

Two pasta products were initially impacted by the recall, with a further six also affected. Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo was initially impacted.

The product is packaged in a 16-oz plastic tray with best-by dates of 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, 9/27/2025, 9/28/2025, 10/1/2025, 10/3/2025, 10/5/2025, 10/8/2025, or 10/10/2025.

Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz were also affected, with best before dates of SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025.

On September 30, Albertsons Companies issued a recall of its Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meal.

On October 1, Demers Food Group recalled its Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini.

On October 2, The Kroger Co. recalled its Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad, which were sold under several of its grocery brands, including Kroger, Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Payless, Ralphs, and Smith’s.

On October 3, Giant Eagle, Inc. announced a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad.

And most recently, on October 9, Sprouts Farmers Market issued a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad under the Sprouts brand.