At least 20 people have been infected in a Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold across the country. Sadly, four people have died, including one in Utah. This has prompted a health alert from local officials.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food warned that the contaminated products include “Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce” from Walmart and “Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo” from Trader Joe’s. The recall also affects “Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine” and “Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.” If you have any of these items, check your freezer and dispose of them or return them to where you bought them.
Listeria monocytogenes can be dangerous, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may show up anywhere from a few days to even two months after eating contaminated food. Common signs include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. For pregnant women, it can lead to serious complications, including miscarriages.
If you’ve consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care right away. You can find a complete list of affected products and their best-by dates on the Food Safety and Inspection Service website.
This outbreak illustrates the continuing challenges in food safety, highlighting the need for vigilance. Recent statistics show that Listeria is responsible for about 1,600 infections each year in the U.S., leading to serious health consequences for many. Awareness and prompt reporting of food safety issues are vital for protecting public health.
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