Updated information available in Listeria outbreak traced to pasta meals

The FDA and CDC have updated information about a multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections traced to pasta meals. Four people have died in the outbreak.

The implicated pasta was produced by Nate’s Fine Foods. The company has recalled 245,000 pounds of pasta and companies that used it in their products have initiated recalls of their own.

The Food and Drug Administration has updated the list of recalled meals to now include Sprouts Farmers Market smoked mozzarella pasta salad sold from the deli service counter or Grab & Go section at Sprouts stores in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WY. Product was distributed starting on Aug. 31 through Oct. 7. There is concern that consumers may have unused meals in their home freezers.

For a complete list of recalls related to this outbreak, click here. Nine companies, including several large grocery chains, have initiated recalls.

As of October. 14, there are a total of 20 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria. They have been reported from 15 states. Of 20 people with information available, 19 have been hospitalized and 4 deaths have been reported. There is one illness in a pregnant mother that resulted in a fetal loss.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalledproduct and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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