Listeria Outbreak: CDC Urges Check of Recalled Foods Despite New Illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to prepared pasta meals, even after recalls of contaminated products. Recent data indicates the outbreak is not yet fully contained, with new illnesses and, tragically, additional deaths reported as recently as February 12, 2026. The CDC is urging consumers to remain vigilant and double-check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled foods, emphasizing that these products may no longer be available for sale but could still be present in homes.

Recent Developments and Expanded Impact

As of February 12, 2026, a total of 28 people across 19 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The CDC reports that samples from sick individuals were collected between August 1, 2024 and November 16, 2025. A concerning seven deaths have been reported – one each in Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. 27 of the 28 individuals with available information required hospitalization, and one pregnancy-associated illness resulted in fetal loss. These figures underscore the serious nature of this outbreak and the vulnerability of certain populations.

Understanding Listeria and its Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While anyone can contract listeriosis, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness. These include pregnant women, individuals aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In older adults and those with compromised immune systems, listeriosis frequently results in hospitalization and can be fatal. The CDC emphasizes that Listeria can be particularly dangerous because it can spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body, causing invasive listeriosis.

Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, though the onset can range from the same day to as late as 10 weeks after exposure. Symptoms vary depending on the individual. Pregnant women may experience fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Other individuals may develop headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potentially consuming recalled pasta meals should seek medical attention immediately.

The Role of Recalled Products and Ongoing Investigation

The outbreak has been linked to prepared meals containing pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., which initiated a recall of contaminated products. But, the CDC’s recent update highlights that seven new illnesses, including six new hospitalizations and two new deaths, have been reported since the last update. This suggests that either individuals may have consumed recalled foods that were not discarded, or that the source of contamination may be broader than initially identified. Investigators are actively working to determine the extent of the contamination and whether additional foods may be involved. You can find detailed recall information on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website.

Preventing Listeria Exposure: A Multi-Step Approach

The CDC recommends a comprehensive approach to preventing Listeria exposure. Beyond avoiding recalled foods, this includes thoroughly cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Listeria can survive in refrigerated environments and readily spread to other foods. The CDC provides detailed guidance on how to properly clean your refrigerator to minimize the risk of contamination.

Public Health Surveillance and Future Steps

The CDC, in collaboration with public health and regulatory officials in several states, the FDA, and the USDA-FSIS, continues to monitor the outbreak through ongoing surveillance. This involves collecting and analyzing data from sick individuals, conducting laboratory tests to identify the outbreak strain of Listeria, and tracing the source of the contamination. The true number of illnesses is likely higher than reported, as some individuals recover without seeking medical care or being tested for Listeria. Public health officials are gathering information on the demographics and food consumption patterns of those affected to further pinpoint the source of the outbreak.

The investigation is now considered closed, meaning no new cases are being actively linked to the initial outbreak source. However, the CDC emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to food safety practices to prevent future outbreaks. The agency will continue to monitor for any unusual increases in Listeria infections and will update its guidance as needed. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls and outbreaks through official public health channels.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please contact that state’s health department. Media inquiries can be directed through the CDC News Media Branch.