A recent Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at major retailers, including Walmart and Trader Joe’s, has resulted in a public health alert and serious concerns about food safety. As of late September 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported four deaths and 19 hospitalizations across at least 15 states. This tragic event underscores the critical importance of understanding Listeria, its dangers, and the steps you can take if you or a loved one has been affected.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can grow in refrigerated temperatures, making it particularly challenging to control. It is commonly found in soil, water, and animal feces, and can contaminate a variety of foods, including soft cheeses, deli meats, and pre-packaged meals.
Who is at Risk?
While anyone can contract listeriosis, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing severe illness:
- Pregnant women: Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Newborns: Infants can develop severe infections if their mothers were infected during pregnancy.
- Older adults (65 and over): Their immune systems may be weaker, making them more susceptible.
- People with weakened immune systems: Individuals with conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or those taking immunosuppressant medications are at greater risk.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, symptoms may be mild and flu-like.
The Current Outbreak: A Closer Look
The current outbreak has been linked to a shared pre-cooked pasta ingredient used in ready-to-eat meals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for:
- Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- Trader Joe’s Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
These products have specific “best if used by” dates and establishment numbers, and while they have been pulled from shelves, they may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The outbreak has also been linked to a previous Listeria alert involving chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger.
This outbreak serves as a stark reminder that even with rigorous safety protocols, food contamination can occur. When it does, the consequences can be devastating for individuals and families.
Why an Attorney is Crucial if You’ve Been Harmed
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with listeriosis after consuming a contaminated product, seeking legal counsel is incredibly important. Here’s why:
- Navigating Complex Investigations: Foodborne illness cases involve intricate investigations to pinpoint the source of contamination, identify responsible parties, and establish negligence. An attorney specializing in food safety litigation has the experience and resources to gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case.
- Protecting Your Rights: Food manufacturers and distributors have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe. When they fail in this duty, and their negligence leads to harm, victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in tragic cases, wrongful death.
- Understanding Your Damages: The long-term effects of listeriosis can be significant, especially for vulnerable populations. An attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages, both economic and non-economic, and ensure you pursue fair compensation for all your losses.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Dealing with large corporations and their insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from illness or grieving a loss. An attorney will handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf, ensuring your interests are protected and you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.
- Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Harm: By holding negligent parties accountable, you not only seek justice for yourself but also contribute to greater food safety for everyone. Legal action can prompt companies to improve their safety practices, potentially preventing future outbreaks and saving lives.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
The emotional, physical, and financial toll of a severe foodborne illness like listeriosis can be immense. If you believe you have been affected by the recent Listeria outbreak, do not hesitate to seek medical attention and then consult with an experienced attorney. They can provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this challenging time, helping you understand your options and fight for the justice you deserve.
