Listeria Outbreak: Additional Illnesses and Death Reported

A multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections associated with prepared pasta meals has officially ended, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The investigation, which involved the FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), concluded that contaminated prepared meals containing pasta were the source of the illnesses.

As of February 12, 2026, public health officials reported that a total of 28 people across 19 states were infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria. The reported cases occurred between August 1, 2024, and November 16, 2025.

The outbreak resulted in significant medical complications, with 27 of the 28 infected individuals requiring hospitalization. Seven deaths were reported, with one death occurring in each of the following states: Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One pregnancy-associated illness led to a fetal loss.

Product Recalls and Contamination Sources

The investigation identified specific products and suppliers linked to the contamination. On June 17, 2025, several products were recalled. Later, on September 26, 2025, the CDC expanded the alert to include beef meatball marinara linguine meals from FreshRealm.

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FreshRealm held these meals after internal company tests found the same outbreak strain of Listeria present in other recalled products. Further testing on September 25, 2025, indicated that the linguini pasta used in certain meal products also tested positive for the bacteria.

The contamination was traced further back to the pasta supplier. On September 30, 2025, Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. Expanded its recall of certain lots of pre-cooked pasta, including farfalle (bowtie), linguine, and fettucine. This action followed a positive Listeria monocytogenes test on a sample of linguine pasta collected by FreshRealm.

Public health agencies have stated that these recalled products should no longer be available for sale in stores or to Nate’s Fine Foods customers.

Understanding Listeriosis

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the Listeria bacterium, which can survive and spread in refrigerated environments. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, though they can emerge as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks later.

Mild symptoms of the infection may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In more severe cases, the infection can progress to a more serious form of listeriosis. These advanced symptoms include headache, confusion, stiff neck, convulsions, and loss of balance.

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from Listeria. These include adults aged 65 or older, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

For pregnant women, the infection may present as mild symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. However, Listeria can cause premature birth, pregnancy loss, or serious illness and death in newborns.

Health officials note that the reported number of sick people in this outbreak was likely lower than the actual total, as some individuals may have recovered without seeking medical care or receiving a diagnostic test for Listeria.

Preventative Measures

To prevent the spread of the bacteria, the CDC recommends that consumers who may have purchased affected meals check their refrigerators and freezers and avoid eating or serving these products.

Because Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and easily spread to other surfaces and foods, the CDC advises cleaning refrigerators, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected food products.