CDC Expands Listeria Outbreak to More Prepared Meals | CDC Newsroom

A multistate outbreak of Listeria infections is prompting expanded alerts and investigations, with health officials reporting three additional illnesses and one additional death as of September 29, 2025. The outbreak, initially linked to prepared meals, now includes FreshRealm’s beef meatball marinara linguine meals, adding another layer of concern for consumers.

Expanding Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to investigate the outbreak. FreshRealm initiated a hold on the beef meatball marinara linguine meals after testing revealed the presence of the same strain of Listeria identified in earlier cases. Further testing is underway to determine if linguini pasta used in the meals also carries the outbreak strain.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While often mild in healthy individuals, it poses significant risks to pregnant women, adults 65 years or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to more severe complications like headache, stiff neck, and even death.

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from Listeria. Pregnant women may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of invasive listeriosis, where the infection spreads beyond the gut. Symptoms can appear anywhere from the same day of exposure to as late as 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.

What Should Consumers Do?

Health officials strongly advise consumers to avoid eating the affected products. Thorough cleaning of refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled meals is also recommended, as Listeria can survive in refrigerated environments. Individuals experiencing symptoms after consuming these products, particularly those in high-risk groups, should seek immediate medical attention.

Looking Ahead

The CDC and FSIS will likely continue to monitor the outbreak closely, conducting further investigations to identify the source of the contamination and prevent additional illnesses. It is possible that the investigation could expand to include other products or facilities if new evidence emerges. Additional testing of the pasta could reveal further details about the scope of the contamination. State health departments are prepared to address any new cases that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?

Symptoms vary depending on the person. Pregnant women may experience fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Other people may have headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.

How long after eating contaminated food do symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.

Where can I find more information about Listeria?

More information about Listeria can be found on the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/about/

Given the evolving nature of this outbreak, what steps do you take to ensure the safety of prepared meals in your household?