USDA Issues Health Alert Over Potential Listeria Contamination in Pasta Meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert regarding certain ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, citing potential contamination with listeria bacteria. This warning comes in the wake of a deadly outbreak linked to pre-made chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals, raising concerns about food safety in the retail sector.
Details of the Health Alert
On Thursday, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce, packaged in 12-ounce clear plastic trays, may pose a health risk. The affected products have best-by dates ranging from September 22 to October 1 and could still be present in consumers’ refrigerators.
The alert was expanded on Friday to include Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo, sold in 16-ounce plastic trays with best-by dates of September 20, 24, and 27. Both products bear establishment numbers “P-45288” and “EST. 50784” or “EST. 47718,” respectively, within the USDA mark of inspection.
Response from Retailers
In a statement to CBS News, a Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to customer safety, stating, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have removed this product from our impacted stores and we are working with the supplier to investigate.”
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products, consumers are advised to discard any affected meals and can receive a full refund at any Walmart location. Although a formal recall has not been issued, FreshRealm, the food producer responsible for distributing the meals, has recommended that Walmart remove the products from store shelves.
The Broader Context of Listeria Outbreaks
The meals in question may be contaminated with the same strain of listeria that caused a previous outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger stores. This outbreak resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 illnesses, prompting federal health officials to update the public on the situation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that FreshRealm had identified listeria in the linguine used in the beef meatball dish, and the strain matched that of the earlier outbreak. The CDC has urged consumers to avoid eating any affected foods and to either return them or dispose of them safely.
The Source of Contamination
FreshRealm has indicated that the source of the listeria contamination is likely an ingredient supplied by a third party. The pasta in question was sourced from Nate’s Fine Foods, a company based in Roseville, California. As of now, Nate’s Fine Foods has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria infections can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 people in the United States fall ill from listeria infections each year, with around 260 fatalities.
The USDA and CDC have been under increasing pressure to enhance food safety protocols, especially following several high-profile outbreaks. For instance, a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats last year resulted in 10 deaths and over 60 illnesses, prompting federal officials to reevaluate their strategies for preventing such infections.
Conclusion
The recent health alert from the USDA serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in food safety. As consumers, it is crucial to stay informed about potential risks associated with ready-to-eat meals, especially those linked to listeria. The USDA and CDC continue to monitor the situation closely, and consumers are encouraged to take necessary precautions to protect their health.
