CDC Warns of Listeria in Ready-to-Eat Meals Linked to 4 Deaths

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm and Nate’s Fine Foods that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This alert follows a reported Listeria outbreak that has resulted in 20 illnesses, including 19 hospitalizations and four deaths.

On September 26, the FSIS expanded its health alert to include two new products: “Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce” and “Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo.” While the original investigation focused on other products, additional testing revealed Listeria in these samples.

Though these meals are no longer being sold, FSIS has expressed concern that consumers might still have them in their refrigerators or freezers. Consumers are advised to discard these products or return them to the place of purchase. The CDC also recommends cleaning any surfaces that may have contacted the affected foods.

Symptoms of Listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Some may also experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk and should seek medical help if they experience these symptoms.

For any questions about this public health alert, consumers can contact Nate’s Fine Foods at 916-677-7303 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday. More information on the CDC’s ongoing investigation into this outbreak is available on their website.