The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Albertsons and Safeway stores across 15 states due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Shoppers are urged to dispose of or return the affected products immediately to prevent the risk of infection, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The recall comes as health authorities work to mitigate the risk of a potentially deadly infection that could cause serious illness, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The contamination is linked to pasta ingredients supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California, with multiple affected products having been distributed under various Albertsons brands.
Affected Products and Stores
According to the FDA, the recall spans 14 batches of pasta salads, sold across a wide range of supermarkets under the Albertsons Companies banner. These include major brands such as:
- Albertsons
- Albertsons Market
- Amigos
- Andronico’s Community Markets
- Carrs-Safeway
- Eagle
- Pak ‘N Save
- Pavilions
- Market Street
- Randalls
- Safeway
- Tom Thumb
- United
- Vons
The affected products include the Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad, Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad, Grilled Chicken & Basil Pasta Extra Large, Ready Meals Spinach Bowtie Pasta Salad, Ready Meals Smoked Mozzarella with Hot Links Extra Large, Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad Kit, and Ready Meals Smoked Mozzarella Penne Pasta Salad.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for the contamination, is known to thrive in refrigerated environments, meaning that even foods stored at proper temperatures can carry the risk of infection. Although no illnesses have been reported as of the recall notice, the FDA urges consumers to act swiftly in returning the affected products for a full refund. Shoppers are also reminded to sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated items to reduce the risk of further spread.
Listeria Risks and Public Health Concerns
Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that causes listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria infections typically manifest as mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, but they can escalate to more severe forms in vulnerable groups. Invasive listeriosis can lead to neurological symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, and loss of balance, and can be fatal if left untreated.
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible, as Listeria infections can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in newborns. The elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at heightened risk. While the majority of healthy individuals will experience mild symptoms, the potential for serious consequences in high-risk groups is prompting the FDA to urge caution.
