Six people dead after eating popular ready-meal pasta sold at US supermarkets

Americans are being urged to double-check their refrigerators after six people have died eating popular ready-meal pasta dishes.

It comes as the US FDA expanded its recall for pre-cooked pasta that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria infection is an illness caused by bacteria that can spread through many foods and can result in serious illness and death.

The recalled meals, from Nate's Fine Foods, are 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.

It brings the total number of people infected up to 27, across 18 states. Of the 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized, and six deaths have been reported.

Recalled products were sold at multiple US grocery stores, like Kroger (Jeffrey Dean/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss, the FDA adds.

In late September, Nate's Fine Foods expanded its recall of certain pre-cooked pasta meals, including fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle (bowtie), after a sample of linguine pasta tested positive for Listeria.

The company 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."

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 if used by dates of SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025 (USDA FSIS public health alert).

On September 30, Albertsons Companies issued a recall of its Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meals, marking the first of two recalls by the company within that timeframe.

On October 2, 2025, Albertsons Companies recalled its Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meals, also sold under the Albertsons Companies brand.

That same day, October 2, 2025, Demers Food Group recalled its Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini.

On October 3, 2025, Giant Eagle, Inc. announced a recall of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, distributed under the Giant Eagle brand.

On October 4, 2025, 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.

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

Listeria monocytogenes can be deadly (Ruslanas Baranauskas/Science Photo Library)

Listeria symptoms range from mild, flu-like issues to severe, life-threatening conditions, such as meningitis. According to the CDC, symptoms can vary depending on what part of the body is infected.

They further note that the people most likely at risk are pregnant women, newborns, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Meanwhile, severe symptoms can include a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.

The CDC recommends visiting a doctor if you have ingested food that has been recalled or linked to an outbreak, or if you show any symptoms of listeriosis.