A deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to prepared pasta meals is continuing to spread across the United States.
Since September 25, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified three new states with infections, bringing the total number to 18 states.
The agencies first reported food recalls associated with the outbreak in June.
In the last month, seven new cases have been identified, alongside six new hospitalizations. That brings their respective totals to 27 cases and 25 hospitalizations since the outbreak began.
Two more deaths have also been reported, with six deaths recorded in total. There is also one reported instance of fetal loss during a pregnancy-associated illness.
Where has the Listeria outbreak spread?
The outbreak is widespread, with states largely reporting infections in the West, Southeast, and Midwest regions. The CDC has produced a map of where Listeria cases have occurred. Below is a full list of all impacted states:
- California
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
Which products have been impacted?
At least nine different prepared meal products have been recalled in the wake of this outbreak, with major retailers such as Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and Albertsons being among those that have recalled products.
Used-by dates on recalled products now extend to as recent as this week. The FDA has a full list of impacted products along with product images on its website.
What Listeria symptoms should I look out for?
The outbreak was first discovered in August 2024, but the number of new cases reported as part of the outbreak has increased over the last several weeks, according to a timeline on the CDC website.
According to the FDA, a person who becomes infected by Listeria-contaminated food will normally begin exhibiting symptoms within two weeks. However, signs can appear up to 10 weeks later.
Mild symptoms of a Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
A severe form of listeriosis can bring symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Headache
- Loss of balance
- Stiff neck
Individuals who are pregnant, 65 and older, or have weakened immune systems are at greater risk. The CDC directs people to call a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms after consuming affected foods.
Beyond not eating any of the recalled foods you might have purchased, the CDC also says to clean anything that might have touched these foods. These areas could be in the refrigerator, containers, or surfaces. Listeria can live in a fridge and “easily spread to other foods or surfaces.”
What else is there to know?
The investigation is ongoing, so it’s possible that more products will be added to the listeria recall. Watch the FDA’s and CDC’s dedicated pages for any updates.
