On September 27, 2025, federal health officials sounded the alarm over potential listeria contamination in ready-to-eat pasta dishes sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's, as Newsmax reports. This urgent warning ties to a deadly outbreak, highlighting serious gaps in food safety oversight. Consumers must stay vigilant.
Late Thursday, prior to September 27, 2025, the U.S. Agriculture Department flagged Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce at Walmart. Sold in 12-ounce refrigerated trays, these meals carry best-by dates from September 22 to October 1, 2025. They were shipped to stores nationwide.
On Friday, September 27, 2025, the USDA expanded its alert to include Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo. Packaged in 16-ounce trays, these items have best-by dates of September 20, 24, and 27, 2025. They may still lurk in home fridges.
The affected Walmart meals bear establishment numbers "EST. 50784" and "EST. 47718" within the USDA inspection mark. Trader Joe's products show the code "P-45288" on their labels. These identifiers help consumers spot the potentially tainted goods before consumption.
No formal recall has been issued, yet FreshRealm, the distributor, urged Walmart to yank these meals from shelves earlier this week. Walmart confirmed it halted sales and cleared the products from stores. Swift action is crucial to curb further risk.
Tests by FreshRealm revealed listeria in the linguine used for the meatball dish. This strain matches one found in chicken fettuccine Alfredo sold at Walmart and Kroger, tied to a devastating outbreak. The pasta originated from Nate's Fine Foods in Roseville, Calif.
On Friday evening, September 27, 2025, federal officials updated the outbreak toll to four deaths and at least 20 illnesses. A major recall occurred this summer due to this crisis. The USDA warns more products could be implicated as investigations unfold.
Listeria infections pose grave dangers, especially to the elderly, those with compromised immunity, and pregnant individuals or their infants. Symptoms range from fever and aches to severe issues like confusion or convulsions. The CDC estimates 1,600 annual cases, with 260 fatalities.
FreshRealm has pointed fingers at external suppliers for the contamination.
"We have long maintained that the source of the listeria was likely an ingredient supplied by a third party." - FreshRealm company statement.
While third-party blame may hold water, isn’t it telling that accountability often gets passed down the supply chain? Under President Donald Trump, the current president of the United States, federal agencies must tighten oversight to prevent such deadly lapses from recurring.
Last year, prior to September 27, 2025, a listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meats killed 10 and sickened over 60. This grim precedent underscores a pattern of failures in food safety. Federal revamps promised in December are long overdue.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service hints at identifying additional risky items. This uncertainty keeps consumers on edge, wondering what’s safe to eat. Robust action, not just alerts, must drive the response to protect American families.
These incidents reveal a troubling vulnerability in our food distribution networks. With listeria striking vulnerable populations hardest, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Government and industry must unite to seal these preventable cracks in our system.
Isn’t it ironic that in an era of advanced technology, basic food safety still falters? Progressive calls for deregulation often ignore such real-world consequences. Strong, common-sense standards are the shield everyday citizens deserve against these invisible threats.
As of September 27, 2025, the listeria scare at Walmart and Trader Joe's remains a stark warning. Until comprehensive safeguards are enforced, consumers bear the burden of caution. It’s time for leadership to ensure our tables are truly safe.
