Federal authorities have issued a warning to shoppers about a potential Listeria contamination in certain ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has flagged:
- Walmart: Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12-oz. trays), best-by dates September 22 through October 1, 2025.
- Trader Joe’s: Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (16-oz. trays), best-by dates September 20, 24, 27, 2025.
Each tray carries a USDA inspection number specific to the product. Walmart has already removed the meals from shelves, according to the Associated Press.
Trader Joe’s released a statement surrounding the alert.
Tests by one of the producers found Listeria in the pre-cooked pasta, which is thought to have caused the outbreak. Officials are investigating whether it’s linked to a previous chicken fettuccine outbreak, though no direct connection has been confirmed. FSIS is working with the FDA and CDC on the investigation.
Listeriosis mainly affects older adults, pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, confusion, gastrointestinal issues, and stiff neck. Severe cases can be fatal. Antibiotics are the standard treatment.
Listeria Alert: New Jersey
Both Trader Joe’s and Walmart have significant presence in New Jersey. The alert is nationwide, so shoppers at Trader Joe’s and Walmart in New Jersey are being advised to check their fridge and discard of any affected product. You may also return them to the store. Some trays may still be in refrigerators or freezers according to health officials.
You can contact Nate’s Fine Foods at 916-677-7303 with questions. More guidance is available via the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHOTLINE or online at USDA eCCF.
Read the full FSIS alert here.
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