6 Dead, Dozens Sickened In Widespread Listeria Outbreak: What To Know In VA

An ongoing listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at nationwide retailers in several states, including Virginia, has now killed six people and sickened dozens more, according to federal health officials.

In September, federal health officials issued a warning to shoppers about ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Kroger, Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Officials said the meals may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and linked to a previous outbreak.

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Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that the outbreak has led to six deaths and 25 hospitalizations in 18 states. In all, 27 cases have been identified, including one in Virginia.

At least one case affected a pregnant person and resulted in fetal loss, according to the CDC.

The CDC traced the outbreak to contaminated precooked pasta sold by Nate’s Fine Foods, including 9.6-ounce packages of Scott & Jon's shrimp scampi with linguini bowls with use-by dates of March 2027. They were sold at Virginia Kroger, Walmart and Trader Joe’s stores.

Another recalled item is the smoked mozzarella pasta salad sold at Sprouts Farmers Market. This recalled item has use-by dates Oct. 10, 2025, through Oct. 29, 2025.

Additional foods were previously recalled, which are past their best-by dates, the CDC said.

The following states reported illnesses or deaths related to the outbreak:

Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to eat them and to throw away the products or return them to the place of purchase.

Eating food contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, officials said, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Serious and sometimes fatal infections can also occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics, though health officials said people in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell their health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

To learn more, you can view the public health alert here.