Frozen Meals from Kroger, Walmart and Trader Joe’s Leave 4 Dead and 19 Hospitalized

Frozen foods from some popular stores just got pulled from shelves, and not for a minor reason. A CDC warning reached shoppers after pasta meals sold at Kroger, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s caused a string of serious illnesses. Packages still tucked away in home freezers might hold risks most people never expect. Health officials are urging everyone to check their refrigerators so nobody gets caught off guard by contaminated meals.

CDC Issues Warning Over Contaminated Pasta Meals

The CDC has issued a warning about ready-to-eat pasta meals sold in stores nationwide, following the discovery of Listeria contamination linked to multiple illnesses and deaths. Some shoppers might still have these products stashed at home, so checking the freezer or fridge makes sense. The agency flagged beef meatball marinara linguine and chicken fettuccine alfredo meals distributed by FreshRealm and urged everyone to avoid eating them.

Stores Involved in Listeria Recall

Shoppers from all over picked up these pasta meals at big names like Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s. Stores have pulled the affected products since the recall was announced, so they are unlikely to be found on shelves now. The meals included Marketside linguine with beef meatballs and Trader Joe’s Cajun-style fettuccine. Retailers acted quickly, working alongside suppliers and sharing updates, so shoppers know exactly which items to avoid right now.

Recalled Products and Best-By Dates

Recalled pasta meals came in clear plastic trays with best-by dates spanning from June to October. Packages included Marketside linguine with beef meatballs, Home Chef chicken alfredo, and Trader Joe’s Cajun fettuccine. Shoppers saw establishment numbers like EST. 50784, EST. 47718, and P-45288 on USDA inspection marks. So looking for those dates and codes on packaging helps people spot the risky items in the fridge or freezer right away.

Source of the Listeria Contamination

Investigators found the source traced back to cooked pasta supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods in California. Lab testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in the linguine used by FreshRealm. DNA analysis matched the same strain in the recalled chicken alfredo meals. So, the contamination traveled from pasta to both the beef meatball and chicken alfredo dishes, leading to recalls and ongoing work with the USDA, FDA, and CDC to keep everyone informed.

Trader Joe’s and Walmart Response Statements

Walmart and Trader Joe’s both moved fast after learning about the recall. Stores took the affected meals off shelves and worked with suppliers to investigate what happened. Companies made sure customers knew which meals to return or toss, using signs, websites, and emails for updates. Both chains said their customers’ safety matters to them, so acting quickly and communicating details just made sense for shoppers who picked up these pasta dishes.

Steps for Handling Recalled Meals

People with recalled meals should toss or return them to the store they came from. Cleaning any surfaces the packages touched is helpful because Listeria can linger in refrigerators or on counters and spread to other food. So wiping down those areas just makes sense. Checking your freezer or fridge for the products and acting fast helps keep everyone safer in the households where these meals might still be stored

Listeria Symptoms to Watch For

People who get sick from Listeria might notice fever, muscle aches, or an upset stomach first. It’s common to see headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, or even loss of balance next. Sometimes, seizures show up too. Symptoms can pop up just a day after eating contaminated food or as late as ten weeks later. So, anyone feeling off after eating these meals should talk with a doctor, especially if symptoms stick around.

Higher Risk Groups and Health Advice

Pregnant people, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system face higher risks when exposed to Listeria. The infection moves easily in these groups, sometimes spreading beyond the gut. Health experts suggest watching closely for fever, aches, or digestive issues after eating recalled meals. Quick action with a doctor gives peace of mind if symptoms show up.

Check Your Fridge and Take Action

Watch your freezer and your fridge for any recalled pasta meals from Kroger, Walmart, or Trader Joe’s. Toss them or take them back to the store, then wipe down shelves and surfaces where packages rested. If you feel sick after eating these meals, talk with a doctor quickly. Staying aware of symptoms lets you catch Listeria early and helps keep your household feeling safe and healthy for everyone.