A deadly Listeria outbreak connected to pre-made pasta meals has claimed the life of a Michigan resident and triggered urgent recalls of products sold at Trader Joe’s and Kroger.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo with best-by dates from Sept. 20 through Oct. 10 should be discarded immediately.
Kroger’s recalled items include Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta salads sold between Aug. 29 and Oct. 2.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food, especially deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products.
In this outbreak, it has been found in pre-made pasta meals.
What makes Listeria particularly dangerous is its ability to grow even in refrigerated foods, meaning items that seem safe can still cause illness.
Who is at greatest risk?
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable.
They are more likely to become infected, and Listeria can cause pregnancy complications and infections in newborns.
People over 65 and those with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of developing listeriosis, a serious infection when listeria spreads throughout the body.
Others can be infected but usually experience less severe symptoms.
What symptoms should people watch for?
When Listeria spreads in the body, initial symptoms often include fever, body aches, and fatigue.
If the infection causes meningitis, symptoms may include headache, changes in alertness, and neck stiffness.
What should consumers do?
The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urge anyone with these recalled products to either return them to the store for a refund or throw them away immediately.
They also recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing anything the products may have come into contact with, including bowls, cups, storage containers, and countertops.
Always wash your hands after handling or preparing food, especially raw meat or produce.