Urgent Recall: Walmart Pasta Meals Pulled from Shelves Due to Listeria Outbreak—What You Need to Know

The USDA recently issued a health alert about certain pasta meals sold at Walmart. The alert involves Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, which has been linked to a listeria outbreak causing several illnesses and even some deaths in the U.S.

What Happened?

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has reported that these meals may contain Listeria monocytogenes. These 12-ounce packages, which are clear plastic trays, have best-by dates between September 22 and October 1, 2025, and carry specific establishment numbers. Although there hasn’t been an official recall, Walmart has pulled the affected items from its shelves nationwide.

Understanding Listeria

Listeria can be particularly harmful. It especially threatens pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system. The CDC estimates that around 1,600 people in the U.S. get listeria each year, leading to roughly 260 deaths. This bacteria can grow even in cold temperatures, making refrigerated foods unsafe if contaminated.

According to recent statistics, listeria infections have increased over the years, with notable outbreaks involving different products. For instance, a 2024 outbreak involving deli meats led to severe health complications, with ten deaths reported across 19 states. This emphasizes the challenges food producers face in ensuring safety in ready-to-eat meals.

Why is This Important?

The current incident connects to previous outbreaks, including one involving chicken fettuccine Alfredo, which resulted in multiple hospitalizations and deaths. FreshRealm, the producer of the affected meals, stated that contamination probably came from a third-party supplier. Their proactive approach has led them to investigate the sources of this issue while ensuring that the contaminated products are taken off the market.

The rise in listeria incidents has sparked discussions across social media, with consumers sharing their concerns and urging better food safety practices from retailers. Experts in food safety stress the need for consistent monitoring and the implementation of stricter protocols to avoid future outbreaks.

What Should You Do?

If you have bought Walmart Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce with the specified dates, check your refrigerator and discard them immediately. It’s crucial to stay informed and practice good food safety habits.

As consumers, staying aware of food safety issues can help prevent illnesses. This recent scare highlights the importance of maintaining strict safety standards in the food industry, especially for large retailers.

For further information on the health risks associated with listeria and food safety practices, you can visit the CDC’s official page on listeria.

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