Public Health Alert: Pasta Meals Sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak

# Urgent Recall Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pasta Meals from Walmart and Trader Joe’s

A serious public health alert has been issued regarding a multi-state listeria outbreak, prompting a widespread recall of ready-to-eat pasta meals and salads. Federal health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have linked the dangerous bacteria to products sold at major national retailers, including Walmart and Trader Joe’s. This developing situation requires immediate attention, as consuming contaminated food can lead to a severe, and sometimes fatal, infection.

This article provides essential information to help you identify the recalled products, understand the risks associated with listeria, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. If you have recently purchased prepared pasta salads or similar items, it is crucial to review this information carefully. The **Public Health Alert: Pasta Meals Sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak** serves as a critical warning for consumers nationwide.

## What Products Are Part of the Recall?

The recall focuses on ready-to-eat pasta salads and other prepared meals containing specific ingredients, believed to be the source of the *Listeria monocytogenes* contamination. The items were manufactured by a single supplier and distributed to various grocery chains across the country. While the investigation is ongoing, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for the following products immediately.

Do not consume these items. Even if someone has eaten them without getting sick, they should be discarded immediately, as listeria can take up to 70 days to cause symptoms.

### Recalled Products Sold at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has removed the affected items from its shelves and is urging customers who purchased them to return them for a full refund. The key product to look for is:

* **Trader Joe’s Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit:** Check for “Use By” dates from the last several weeks. The recall may affect multiple production lots, so it’s safest to discard any of this product you currently have.

### Recalled Products Sold at Walmart

Walmart sold several affected products under its “Marketside” brand. These items are popular for their convenience, making it essential for shoppers to check their refrigerators carefully. The recalled products include:

* **Marketside Bacon Macaroni Salad:** Packaged in 15 oz. and 2.5 lb. containers.
* **Marketside Southwest Style Pasta Salad with Chicken:** Check all sizes and “Use By” dates.
* **Marketside Classic Potato Salad:** While not a pasta meal, this product was processed at the same facility and is included in the recall due to cross-contamination risk.

It’s important to note that this list may expand as the investigation continues. The core issue is not with the stores themselves, but with their supplier. Therefore, similar products at other grocery stores may also be affected. Always check the FDA and CDC websites for the most current recall information.

## Understanding the Danger: What is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacterium (*Listeria monocytogenes*) that causes a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other germs, listeria can grow even in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator. It is found in soil, water, and some animals, and can contaminate food at any point during production, from harvesting to packaging.

The people most at risk for severe illness are pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with HIV/AIDS). For these vulnerable groups, a listeria infection can be life-threatening.

### Symptoms of Listeriosis to Watch For

Symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the person and the severity of the infection. It’s critical to be aware of the signs, especially if you may have consumed a recalled product.

**For most healthy individuals, symptoms are often mild and include:**

* Fever
* Muscle aches
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea

**In high-risk groups, the infection can become invasive, spreading beyond the gut to other parts of the body. Symptoms of invasive listeriosis include:**

* Severe headache
* Stiff neck
* Confusion or changes in alertness
* Loss of balance
* Convulsions

**Pregnant women** typically experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, such as fever and muscle aches. However, a listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn.

If you have eaten one of the recalled pasta meals from Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or another store and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

## I Have a Recalled Product. What Should I Do Now?

Finding a recalled product in your fridge can be alarming, but following these steps will help ensure your safety.

1. **Do Not Eat It:** This is the most important step. Do not taste or consume the product under any circumstances.
2. **Check Your Labels:** Carefully compare the product name, brand, and any available “Use By” dates with the official recall notices. When in doubt, it is always safest to throw it out.
3. **Dispose of It Safely:** Seal the product in a plastic bag before placing it in the trash. This prevents other people or animals from accidentally consuming it. Alternatively, you can return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
4. **Sanitize Your Refrigerator:** Listeria can survive and spread to other foods and surfaces in your fridge. After removing the recalled item, thoroughly clean and sanitize any shelves, drawers, and surfaces it may have touched. Use hot, soapy water, followed by a sanitizing solution (such as one tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach to one gallon of water).

## How to Stay Informed and Protect Your Family

This **Public Health Alert: Pasta Meals Sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak** is a reminder of the importance of food safety. To stay updated and protect your household from future outbreaks, consider the following:

* **Check Official Sources:** Regularly visit the official websites of the CDC ([cdc.gov/listeria](http://cdc.gov/listeria)) and the FDA ([fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts](http://fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts)) for the latest information.
* **Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene:** Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods, and use separate cutting boards.
* **Pay Attention to “Use By” Dates:** While listeria can grow in the cold, observing expiration dates helps reduce the risk of many foodborne illnesses.

Food recalls are a vital tool for protecting public health. By staying informed and taking swift action, you can help keep your family safe from the dangers of foodborne pathogens like listeria. Check your fridge today and share this information with friends and family who may have purchased these products.