Deadly Food Recall Could Affect Montana Shoppers

We see recalls all the time scroll across headlines, but this one is serious. Deadly serious. Four people have died, nearly two dozen have been hospitalized, and the culprit is something many of us toss into the cart without a second thought: ready-to-eat pasta meals.

While no deaths have been reported in Montana (thankfully), the recall is nationwide, and some of the products were sold at grocery stores we all shop at. Walmart, Albertsons, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger-owned stores are all apart of the list. In other words, this isn’t some obscure recall that doesn’t affect us here.

The CDC and FDA say the outbreak is linked to listeria monocytogenes, a nasty bacteria that causes listeriosis. It can make even healthy people extremely sick, and for pregnant women, newborns, or anyone with a weaker immune system, the consequences can be devastating. One case has already led to fetal loss.

Here’s what’s been confirmed so far: 20 cases spread across 15 states, with 19 hospitalizations and four deaths. Reported cases span from Texas and Utah to Michigan and North Carolina. And experts believe the numbers we’re seeing are just a fraction of the actual outbreak.

The ready-to-eat pasta meals were sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Kroger and Albertsons stores nationwide. If you’ve picked up one of these convenience meals recently, check your fridge immediately.

Here are just a FEW of the MANY frozen meals on the list: 

• Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
• Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad

Links To MORE DETAILS:

• Albertsons
• Walmart
• Trader Joes
• CDC UPDATES

The bottom line? Toss it, don’t risk it. Food recalls usually come and go without much fanfare, but this one is already proving deadly. Montana hasn’t made the list yet, but with our shelves stocking the same brands as everywhere else, better safe than sorry.