The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of nearly 245,000 pounds of precooked pasta products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium. Affected products span multiple brands, including well-known labels such as Merca20, and involve various types of pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, farfalle, and penne.
The recall comes after certain products tested positive for listeria, raising serious concerns about public health risks. This contamination is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. This article provides a detailed look into the recall and the associated health risks.
The Recalled Pasta Products: What to Look For
The recall involves several types of precooked pasta manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods and Fresh Creative Foods. According to the FDA, these products tested positive for the listeria strain tied to the ongoing outbreak. Below are the specific products affected:
- Cooked Linguine Pasta: 972 cases (29,160 lbs) of 6 x 5 lb packages with lot code 2372521 and a use-by date of 8/25/2026.
- MAP Cooked Fettuccine Pasta: 1,357 cases (40,710 lbs) of 6 x 5 lb pouches with multiple lot codes (2372522, 2432521, 2512521, 2572522) and use-by dates ranging from 10/9/2025 to 10/29/2025.
- Fresh Creative Foods Cooked Farfalle Pasta: 1,442 cases (34,068 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot codes 2372523, 2432522, 2512522, 2572523 and use-by dates from 10/9/2025 to 10/29/2025.
- Fresh Creative Foods Cooked Penne Pasta: 1,337 cases (32,088 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot codes 2382521, 2452521, 2572524, 2512523 and use-by dates ranging from 10/10/2025 to 10/29/2025.
- Cooked Linguine Pasta (Bulk): 52 totes (73,050 lbs) of 5 lb pouches with lot codes 2452523, 2592521 and use-by dates between 10/17/2025 and 10/31/2025.
- Taylor Farms Cooked Rotini MAP: 383 cases (9,192 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot code 2532526 and use-by date 10/10/2025.
- Taylor Farms Cooked Farfalle MAP: 261 cases (6,264 lbs) of 8 x 3 lb pouches with lot code 2532525 and use-by date 10/10/2025.
- Taylor Farms Cooked Trotolle MAP: 846 cases (18,612 lbs) of 8 x 2.75 lb pouches with lot codes 2532521, 2472524 and use-by dates from 10/4/2025 to 10/10/2025.
- Cooked Fettuccine Pasta: 56 cases (1,680 lbs) of 6 x 5 lb pouches with lot code 2572521 and use-by date 9/14/2026.
The affected products were distributed in four states: California, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas, and were sold to prepared food manufacturers within these regions. If you live in these areas and have purchased any of the products listed above, it is crucial to check for the recall and take action immediately.
The Serious Health Risks of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria, can lead to symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Confusion
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. In the current outbreak, 20 confirmed cases of listeriosis have been reported, with 19 people hospitalized and 4 deaths, including one involving a pregnant woman who experienced fetal loss.
How Listeria Is Transmitted and Prevented
Listeria is commonly found in soil and water, and infected animals can carry the bacteria. It can also be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated foods, particularly:
- Unpasteurized milk or dairy products
- Contaminated vegetables
- Transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth
To protect yourself from listeriosis, follow these basic food safety guidelines:
- Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products or raw deli meats.
- Cook meats thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, especially if you are preparing items for children, pregnant women, or those with compromised immune systems.
It is also crucial for those at high risk to avoid foods such as soft cheeses, and ensure that any pasta products affected by the recall are not consumed.
What You Should Do If You’ve Purchased Affected Products
If you believe you have purchased any of the recalled pasta products, it is important to immediately discard them or return them to the point of purchase. The FDA is advising consumers to carefully check the lot codes and use-by dates of their pasta products, especially if they live in the affected states.
Consumers who suspect they have consumed the recalled pasta and are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications associated with listeriosis.
