Listeria Alert: 6 Deaths, 27 Illnesses Linked To Prepared Pasta Meals In 2025 Outbreak—What You Must Know Now

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently managing a significant and deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to prepared pasta meals, which has tragically resulted in multiple deaths and widespread illness across the United States. As of late December 2025, the public health investigation is ongoing, with officials urging consumers to check their freezers and refrigerators for recalled products. This latest event underscores the persistent danger of listeriosis, a serious infection that can be particularly devastating for high-risk populations.

This listeria outbreak has been traced back to specific brands of frozen and ready-to-eat (RTE) pasta products, prompting a massive food recall to prevent further sickness. Understanding the source, the symptoms, and the necessary preventive measures is crucial for protecting your family and community from this life-threatening foodborne pathogen.

The 2025 Listeria Outbreak: Key Statistics and Recalled Products

The current listeriosis outbreak has been a major focus of public health agencies throughout 2025. The investigation has provided critical updates, revealing the severity and scope of the contamination event.

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• Total Cases: A total of 27 people have been reported infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria.
• Affected States: The illnesses have been reported across 18 states, indicating a wide distribution of the contaminated food product.
• Fatalities: Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in 6 confirmed deaths.
• Source Identified: The primary source of the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes has been linked to prepared pasta meals, including both frozen and ready-to-eat varieties.
• Specific Recalls: The contaminated products include pasta from Nate's Fine Foods Inc. and the Sprouts Farmers Market smoked mozzarella pasta salad. Consumers should specifically look for products with "Use by dates October 10, 2025, through October 2025."

The CDC continues to monitor the situation, with sick people's samples collected on dates ranging through late 2025. The rapid identification and recall of these products are essential steps in controlling the spread of this dangerous bacteria.

Other Active Food Recalls Due to Listeria

While the pasta meal outbreak is the most severe, other food recalls have been issued in late 2025 due to potential listeria contamination, highlighting the pervasive nature of this pathogen in the food supply chain. One notable recall involves certain batches of Boar's Head cheese, with specific sell-by dates extending from November 21, 2025, to March 12, 2026. Consumers are strongly advised to check the item code (858) and UPC (042421-05858) of any Boar's Head cheese products in their possession.

Understanding Listeriosis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Timeline

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can grow even in refrigerated temperatures, making it a unique challenge for food safety.

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The Symptoms of Listeria Infection

The symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. In healthy individuals, the illness is often mild or asymptomatic, but it can quickly escalate.

• Common Symptoms: These generally include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, an upset stomach, and fatigue.
• Severe Symptoms: For infections that have spread beyond the gut, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. This indicates a more serious, invasive infection.
• Incubation Period: Symptoms can begin as early as the same day of consumption or as late as 70 days after eating contaminated food, making it difficult to trace the source without a thorough investigation.

If you have consumed a recalled food item and develop any of these symptoms, it is critical to contact your healthcare professional immediately and inform them of your potential exposure to the listeria outbreak strain.

Who is at Highest Risk?

While anyone can contract listeriosis, certain groups face a significantly higher risk of developing severe, life-threatening complications:

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• Pregnant Women: Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
• Newborns: Infants whose mothers contract the infection during pregnancy are highly vulnerable.
• Adults Aged 65 or Older: Their immune systems are often less robust, making them susceptible to severe illness.
• People with Weakened Immune Systems: This includes individuals with cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, diabetes, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs.

In 2024, a European Union report warned that Listeria caused the highest proportion of hospitalizations and deaths among all foodborne infections reported in the EU, with about 7 in 10 cases requiring hospitalization, underscoring its danger.

Essential Prevention Strategies and Food Safety Tips

Preventing listeriosis involves diligent food handling and an awareness of high-risk foods. The bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, is notoriously hardy and can survive in cold environments, making thorough cooking and hygiene paramount.

Avoiding High-Risk Foods

High-risk foods are often those that are ready-to-eat (RTE) and not cooked before serving. These include:

• Unpasteurized (raw) milk and dairy products.
• Soft cheeses (like Feta, Brie, Camembert, and queso fresco) unless made with pasteurized milk.
• Hot dogs, deli meats, and cold cuts—unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) just before serving.
• Refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads.
• Refrigerated smoked seafood, unless it is an ingredient in a cooked dish.
• Raw sprouts.

The prepared pasta meals in the current 2025 outbreak serve as a stark reminder that even seemingly safe, pre-packaged foods can be a vector for contamination, especially if processing standards are compromised. The ongoing FDA and CDC investigation aims to prevent future contamination events by identifying and correcting the breakdown in food safety protocols.

Four Steps to Food Safety

The CDC recommends following four simple steps to minimize the risk of all foodborne illnesses, including those caused by Listeria:

1. Clean: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. Clean and sanitize all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils after use.
2. Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods in your shopping cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator.
3. Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. For example, poultry should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly. The "Danger Zone" for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). Do not leave leftovers out for more than two hours.

Staying informed about current Listeria outbreaks and food recalls is the most proactive step a consumer can take. Always check the CDC and FDA websites for the most up-to-date information and immediately discard any recalled products, even if they appear and smell normal. Your vigilance is the final line of defense against this serious public health threat.