The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections. The alert now includes additional prepared meal products and reports new cases associated with the outbreak.
According to the CDC, three more illnesses and one additional death have been linked to this outbreak. FreshRealm, a meal production company, identified the same strain of Listeria in its beef meatball marinara linguine meals as found in other products previously recalled on June 17, 2025. Tests also detected Listeria in pasta used for these meals, though it is still being determined if it matches the outbreak strain affecting people.
On September 25, 2025, FreshRealm held back linguini pasta used in certain meal products after further testing. While these products should no longer be available for sale, officials warn that they may still be present in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Public Health Alert with more details about the affected foods. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-06-25/index.html.
The CDC advises consumers not to eat any of the affected foods and to clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with them. “Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces,” according to the CDC.
People who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have weakened immune systems are especially at risk from Listeria infection because it is more likely to spread beyond their gut and cause invasive listeriosis. Symptoms usually begin within two weeks after consuming contaminated food but can start as soon as the same day or up to ten weeks later.
“Pregnant women: Fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Your illness may be mild, but Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns,” warns the CDC alert.
“Other people may have: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.”
Consumers who experience symptoms after eating affected foods are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they belong to higher-risk groups.
For questions about cases specific to individual states, people are advised to contact their state health department.
Media inquiries should be directed through the CDC’s Request for Comment form.
The CDC continues its work by rapidly identifying disease outbreaks and providing timely information nationwide through local partnerships aimed at protecting public health across communities.
