Washington, D.C. – Federal officials have issued an urgent public health alert after detecting possible listeria contamination in Walmart’s Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce meals distributed nationwide. Customers are advised to discard or return affected products immediately to prevent serious health risks.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall involving 12-ounce ready-to-eat pasta meals with “best if used by” dates ranging from September 22 through October 1, 2025. These items were sold in clear plastic trays and carry establishment numbers EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 inside the USDA inspection mark.
Discovery of Listeria Contamination in Walmart Pasta Meals
The contamination was identified amid an ongoing investigation into a listeria outbreak originally linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo. Tests revealed the pre-cooked pasta used in the linguine meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterial pathogen. While officials are continuing to confirm if this strain matches the ongoing outbreak, the risk prompted the proactive recall.
- Product: Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- Packaging: 12-ounce clear plastic trays
- Sale Locations: Walmart stores nationwide
- Establishment Numbers: EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 (under USDA inspection mark)
- Best if used by dates: From Sept. 22 to Oct. 1, 2025
Health Risks and Recommendations for Consumers
Listeria infections can pose severe health dangers, especially for pregnant women, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The bacteria may cause listeriosis, an infection that includes symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Confusion and loss of balance
For pregnant women, exposure can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns. While healthy adults outside of these groups are less often affected, they can still experience illness.
“People in high-risk categories who develop flu-like symptoms within two months of eating potentially contaminated food should seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare providers about possible exposure to listeria,” advised federal health officials.
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What Consumers Should Do Now
Though Walmart has already removed the identified pasta meals from store shelves, some affected items may remain in refrigerators or freezers at home. Consumers who purchased the products are urged to:
- Discard the meals immediately or
- Return them to the Walmart store for a refund
Customers with questions can contact Nate’s Fine Foods at 916-677-7303, available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, for more information.
Understanding the Broader Food Safety Implications
This recall highlights ongoing concerns about foodborne illnesses in ready-to-eat meals and the importance of vigilant food safety protocols. The FSIS emphasizes continued monitoring to protect consumers and prevent listeria outbreaks linked to processed meals.
For detailed background and updates on the recall, visit the original source.
Key Takeaways:
- Immediate recall of Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce due to listeria risk
- Products sold nationwide with specific “best if used by” dates between Sept. 22 and Oct. 1, 2025
- High-risk groups advised to be especially cautious and seek medical care if symptomatic
- Proper disposal or product return recommended for all consumers
What do you think about this recall? Have you purchased Walmart’s Marketside pasta meals recently? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!