USDA issues public warning about Walmart pasta meals because of deadly outbreak

The USDA has issued a public health alert about Marketside brand pasta with meatballs sold at Walmart stores nationwide because of. Possible link to a deadly Listeria outbreak.

The producing company collected samples of the pre-cooked pasta used as an ingredient in the product as part of an ongoing FDA investigation related to a Listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger stores. The test confirmed that the linguine pasta was positive for Listeria and further testing is ongoing to determine if the Listeria is genetically related to the specific outbreak strain.

As of Sept. 25, a total of 20 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 15 states. Of 20 people with information available, 19 have been hospitalized and four deaths have been reported. There is one illness in a pregnant mother that resulted in a fetal loss.

The following product is subject to the public health alert:

• 12-oz. clear plastic tray packages labeled “MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE” with “best if used by” dates SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025.

The implicated product has establishment number “EST. 50784” or “EST. 47718” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection. This item was shipped to Walmart locations nationwide.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a recall notice linked to the Listeria outbreak in June and continues to coordinate with FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health partners on the outbreak investigation.

The FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS expects more updates as this investigation continues. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert. Consumers should check back frequently because additional products may be added.

Consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Nate’s Fine Foods at 916-677-7303.

Outbreak details

The outbreak was first posted by the FDA on April 4.

FreshRealm has recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced prior to June 17, 2025, that are available under the following brand names:

Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3 oz – best-by date of June 26, 2025, or prior

Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 32.8 oz – best-by date of June 27, 2025, or prior

Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5 oz – best-by date of June 19, 2025, or prior

Establishment number “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718” appears on the label in the USDA mark of inspection on all of the meals.

The meals are sold in the refrigerated section at Walmart and Kroger stores under the Marketside and Home Chef brand names.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/09/usda-issues-public-warning-about-walmart-pasta-meals-because-of-deadly-outbreak/