Deadly Pasta Recall Linked to 4 Deaths: What New Yorkers Need To Know

You know those nights when life is lifeing and cooking is not happening? That was me yesterday. I popped into Trader Joe’s looking for a heat and eat dinner that felt a little better than fast food. Something I could microwave, eat, and get back to the million things on my list. On my way in, I remembered reading about a pasta recall and decided to check the latest. What I found stopped me in my tracks.

Federal Alert Issued on Recalled Pasta Meals

Federal officials have issued a public health alert tied to ready to eat pasta meals that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This alert covers meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s and it is part of an ongoing national outbreak investigation. The alert is being updated as investigators learn more, so consumers are being asked to check back for changes.

Outbreak Update: 4 Dead, 19 Hospitalized

According to the latest outbreak update, illnesses have been confirmed across multiple states with four deaths and 19 hospitalizations. That is not a typo. This is the same investigation that began with chicken fettuccine alfredo meals earlier this year.

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Which Pasta Meals Are Part of the Recall

If you shop at Walmart in New York, check for 12 ounce clear plastic tray packages labeled Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce. Best if used by dates include September 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and October 1, 2025. Look for establishment number EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

If you shop at Trader Joe’s, check for 16 ounce plastic tray packages labeled Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo with best if used by dates September 20, 24, or 27, 2025 and establishment number P-45288.

How Investigators Traced the Source Back to the Pasta

During the investigation, testing found Listeria in the linguine ingredient used in some of these meals. Genetic testing showed it matches the outbreak strain that sparked the earlier chicken fettuccine alfredo recalls. That is how the pasta ingredient became the new focus.

Why Listeria Is So Dangerous

Listeria can cause serious illness called listeriosis. It is especially dangerous for people who are pregnant, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and sometimes stomach issues before the fever starts. If you are at higher risk and develop flu like symptoms within two months of eating a potentially contaminated food, call your health care provider and mention the exposure.

What to Do If You Have These Meals

Do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store. Listeria can survive and grow at refrigerator temperatures, so clean and sanitize any shelves, drawers, utensils, or counters that may have touched the product. Keep an eye on the FSIS alert page for updates because more products could be added as the investigation continues.

Protect Your Household: Double-Check Those Meals

This is not about blaming a store. It is about keeping your household safe. We have a lot of busy families in New York who depend on grab and go meals to get through the week. Take five minutes to check your fridge and freezer. If you shop for a loved one, check theirs too.

Have Questions? Here’s Who to Contact

For questions about products tied to this alert, contact the producer listed by FSIS. For general food safety questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is 888-MPHotline, which is 888-674-6854. You can also file a report online through the FSIS electronic complaint system at any time. The FSIS recall and alert page is the best official source to monitor for updates.