Pasta Outbreak Investigation Continues as Death Toll Rises to Six

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, continue to investigate illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to prepared pasta meals supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods.

As of Oct. 30, the outbreak has sickened 27, hospitalized 25 and killed six. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss.  

Eighteen states have reported cases: California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

CDC and states are working to get information on whether sick people ate recalled food or if additional foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, said FDA.

Recalls.

The outbreak has resulted in several recalls of prepared pasta products, listed by most recent.

On Oct. 9, Sprouts Farmers Market announced a voluntary recall of select lots of smoked mozzarella pasta salad sold from the deli service counter or Grab & Go section at Sprouts stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming. Product was distributed Aug. 31 through Oct. 7.

On Oct. 3, Giant Eagle announced a voluntary recall of smoked mozzarella pasta salad sold in the prepared foods departments of its Giant Eagle and Market District locations across western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Indiana.

On Oct. 2, Kroger announced a voluntary recall of certain bowtie and penne pasta salads sold at the deli service counter and in grab-n-go packages from the deli department from Kroger stores located in Georgia; South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; Greater Cincinnati (including Northern Kentucky and Dayton, Ohio plus South Eastern Indiana); Central and Northwest Ohio; Northwestern Virginia panhandle; Michigan; Indiana (except SE Indiana and Evansville); Illinois; Eastern Missouri; Greater Louisville area (including Indiana) and Lexington, Kentucky; Hopkinsville and Bowling Green, Kentucky; Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama; Greater Memphis area, Tennessee; Arkansas; Mississippi; Western Kentucky; North Carolina; Virginia; Eastern West Virginia; Eastern Kentucky; Southeastern Ohio; Texas and Louisiana; Dillons, Baker's, Gerbes, King Soopers. City Market, Fry's, Fred Meyer, Ralphs and Smith's stores. 

On Oct. 1, Demers Food Group announced a voluntary recall of select Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls. The product was distributed nationally to wholesale distributors and operators between Sept. 15-25.

On Sept. 29, Albertsons announced a voluntary recall of select store-made deli items containing bowtie pasta. Items were available for purchase at the following stores: Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Amigos, Andronico's Community Markets, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Pak 'N Save, Pavilions, Market Street, Randalls, Safeway, Tom Thumb, United and Vons in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

Albertsons expanded its recall on Oct. 1 to include penne pasta salads sold at Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, and Safeway stores in Alaska.

The agency recommended consumers check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled foods. 

Updates to the investigation will be posted here.