A frightening food safety alert is making headlines across the U.S.—and it could be sitting in your freezer right now. Health officials have confirmed that four people have died and 19 others were hospitalized after eating contaminated frozen pasta meals sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart.
What Products Are Involved?
The outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm. Two products are at the center of the recall:
- Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
Tests revealed that the pasta used in these meals carried Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can survive in cold storage.
Why This Outbreak Is So Serious
Unlike other bacteria, Listeria doesn’t die in the fridge or freezer—it can grow there. Symptoms may look like the flu (fever, muscle aches, nausea), but for pregnant women, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems, the illness can be deadly.
This is why officials are warning people to check their homes immediately. Many of the recalled meals may still be in freezers across the country.
What You Need to Do
- Check your meals. If you have either product, do not eat it.
- Dispose safely. Throw it out in a sealed bag or return it to the store.
- Clean surfaces. Sanitize any counters, trays, or utensils that touched the food.
- Monitor your health. If you recently ate one of these meals and feel unwell, contact a doctor.
The Bigger Picture
Investigators traced the contamination to a California pasta supplier, expanding an earlier outbreak linked to similar chicken alfredo meals. While recalls are underway, food safety experts warn that more products may be identified.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Four families have already lost loved ones due to this outbreak. The best step you can take is to stay alert, double-check your freezer, and share this information with others. Convenience meals save time—but your health and safety must always come first.
