Listeria Outbreak Prompts Recall of Frozen Meals from Trader Joe’s and Walmart

and set the record straight.

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat meals: Trader Joe’s and Walmart Recall

A multi-state listeria outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat meals sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart, resulting in four deaths and 19 hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC has issued a recall for the following products:

* Walmart: Marketside linguine with beef meatballs and marinara sauce (12-ounce trays) with “best if used by” dates of September 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and October 1, 2025. The initial recall was issued in June.
* Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettuccine alfredo with “best if used by” dates of September 20, 24, and 27, 2025. This product was added to the recall in late September.

The USDA has issued a health warning for these products.

Symptoms and Who is at Risk

* Symptoms: Listeria can cause fever, muscle aches, and confusion.
* High-Risk Groups: Pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from Listeria.

What to Do

Consumers are urged to discard any recalled products instantly. Those experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.

What steps should consumers take if they have purchased the recalled chicken salad products from Trader Joe’s or Walmart?

Listeria Outbreak Prompts Recall of Frozen Meals from Trader Joe’s adn Walmart

Recent Recall Details: Affected Products & Lot Codes

A concerning Listeria monocytogenes outbreak has led to a voluntary recall of select frozen meals sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart stores nationwide. The recall, announced on September 28, 2025, impacts a range of products manufactured by creative Snacks Co.and distributed across multiple states. This food recall is a serious matter,as Listeria can cause severe illness,particularly in vulnerable populations.

Here’s a breakdown of the affected products:

* trader Joe’s: Several varieties of Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat Chicken Salad Sandwich, trader Joe’s Chicken Salad, and Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus & Pita Sandwich. Specific lot codes can be found on the Trader Joe’s website and at your local store.

* Walmart: Specific lot codes of several chicken salad products sold under various store brands. Check Walmart’s recall notice for a complete list.

* Creative Snacks Co. Products: The recall extends to products directly manufactured by Creative Snacks Co., including chicken salad and other prepared foods.

Consumers are urged to check product packaging for lot codes and discard any affected items immediately. Food safety is paramount, and erring on the side of caution is crucial.

Understanding the Listeria Threat: Symptoms & Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can contaminate food, leading to a serious infection called listeriosis. While often mild in healthy individuals, listeriosis poses important risks to:

* Pregnant Women: Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

* Newborns: Infants are highly susceptible to severe listeriosis.

* Elderly Individuals: Older adults are at increased risk of severe illness.

* People with Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with compromised immune systems due to conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or organ transplantation are particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms of Listeriosis:

* Fever

* Muscle aches

* Headache

* stiff neck

* Confusion

* Loss of balance

* Convulsions

Symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after consuming contaminated food, but can sometimes take longer. If you experience these symptoms, especially if you fall into one of the high-risk groups, seek medical attention immediately.Foodborne illness can be serious, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.

What Caused the Outbreak? Investigation & Source

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating the source of the Listeria contamination. Initial findings point to a potential issue within the Creative Snacks Co.manufacturing facility.

The investigation is focusing on:

* Sanitation Practices: Reviewing the facility’s cleaning and sanitation protocols.

* equipment Maintenance: Assessing the maintenance and hygiene of food processing equipment.

* Ingredient Sourcing: Tracing the origin of ingredients used in the affected products.

* Environmental Sampling: Testing the facility’s environment for the presence of Listeria.

The FDA has the authority to issue mandatory recalls if a company fails to voluntarily recall perhaps contaminated products. Recall alerts are issued to protect public health.

Protecting Yourself: Food Safety Tips & Best Practices

Beyond the current recall,here are essential food safety tips to minimize your risk of Listeria and other foodborne illnesses:

1. Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
2. Proper Storage: Store cooked foods separately from raw foods.
3. Thorough Cooking: Cook raw meat, poultry, and eggs to safe internal temperatures.
4. Wash Produce: Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water.
5. Clean Surfaces: Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces and utensils.
6. Avoid Unpasteurized products: Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
7. Check Expiration dates: Pay attention to “use-by” and “sell-by” dates.
8. Stay Informed: Monitor FDA recalls and CDC alerts for updates on food safety concerns.

Previous Listeria Outbreaks: A Past Perspective

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