CDC Expands Listeria Outbreak: More Meals Recalled & 1 Death Added

Federal health officials have expanded a multistate Listeria outbreak investigation to include additional prepared meals, with three new illnesses and one additional death reported. The outbreak, initially linked to ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo, now includes FreshRealm’s beef meatball marinara linguine meals, prompting a wider review of the company’s products. This update, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 26, 2025, underscores the ongoing challenge of controlling Listeria contamination in pre-prepared foods.

The CDC initially alerted the public to the outbreak in June 2025, focusing on chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals made by FreshRealm Inc. And sold under the Home Chef brand at Kroger and the Marketside brand at Walmart. Subsequent testing revealed the presence of Listeria in linguini pasta used in the beef meatball marinara linguine meals, though further analysis is needed to confirm if it’s the same strain causing illness. FreshRealm has voluntarily held the implicated pasta and meals.

Understanding Listeria and its Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and certain foods. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, Listeria can thrive in refrigerated temperatures, making it particularly difficult to eliminate. Infection with Listeria, known as listeriosis, can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever and muscle aches to more severe complications like headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions. The severity of illness depends largely on the individual’s health status.

Certain populations are at higher risk of severe illness from Listeria. These include pregnant women, individuals aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. As noted by the CNN, the outbreak has already resulted in a fetal loss in one case. The CDC emphasizes that Listeria is more likely to spread beyond the gut in these vulnerable groups, leading to invasive listeriosis.

The Scope of the Current Outbreak

As of late October 2025, the outbreak has sickened 27 people across 18 states, according to the National Public Radio. The affected states are California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Six deaths have been reported, highlighting the serious nature of this outbreak. The first cases were identified in June, and the investigation is ongoing.

What to Do If You Have Affected Products

The CDC strongly advises consumers not to eat any of the recalled products. This includes FreshRealm beef meatball marinara linguine meals and linguini pasta used in certain meal products. Even if the “use by” date has not passed, the risk of contamination remains. The agency also recommends thoroughly cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected foods, as Listeria can survive and spread easily in refrigerated environments. The CDC provides detailed guidance on proper refrigerator cleaning.

The Public Health Response and Ongoing Surveillance

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are collaborating with the CDC to investigate the outbreak and prevent further illnesses. FreshRealm initiated testing of its pasta samples in mid-September, which confirmed the presence of Listeria. The FDA is working to determine if the Listeria found in the pasta is the same strain as that detected in the previously recalled chicken Alfredo meals. This strain identification is crucial for pinpointing the source of the contamination and implementing effective control measures.

Public health surveillance plays a critical role in identifying and responding to foodborne outbreaks. The CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) collects data from state and local health departments, allowing for early detection and investigation of outbreaks. The CDC also utilizes PulseNet, a molecular subtyping network that compares the DNA fingerprints of Listeria isolates from different sources, helping to link cases and identify common sources of contamination.

Looking Ahead: Continued Monitoring and Guidance Updates

The CDC and FDA will continue to monitor the outbreak and provide updates as new information becomes available. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls and safety alerts by visiting the FDA and FSIS websites. Individuals experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, particularly those in high-risk groups, should seek medical attention immediately. The investigation will likely involve further sampling and testing of FreshRealm facilities and products to identify the root cause of the contamination and prevent future outbreaks. The agencies will also review food safety practices at FreshRealm to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.