In a new nationwide alert, the recalled pasta meals listeria warning has expanded across multiple U.S. states after ready-to-eat pasta products were pulled from grocery shelves due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that several prepackaged pasta meals distributed under well-known brands have been recalled following lab results that detected the bacteria.
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What Triggered the Recall
The alert began when Bacio Foods, a ready-to-eat meal manufacturer based in Pennsylvania, initiated a Class I recall on October 30, 2025, for more than 24,000 pounds of refrigerated pasta products. The affected items include popular chicken Alfredo, macaroni and cheese, and beef lasagna meals sold in major supermarkets such as Walmart, Safeway, and Kroger across the United States.
Routine product testing by state health officials detected traces of Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. As of this week, no confirmed illnesses have been reported, but consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators and discard any recalled products immediately.
Details of the Affected Pasta Meals
According to FSIS and FDA reports, the recalled pasta meals were sold in 16-ounce and 32-ounce plastic containers with expiration dates ranging from November 10 to November 25, 2025. The products bear the establishment number “EST. 48673” printed near the USDA inspection mark.
The recall affects the following products currently identified in the ongoing investigation:
- Bacio Kitchen Chicken Alfredo Pasta – 16 oz
- Bacio Kitchen Beef Lasagna – 32 oz
- Bacio Kitchen Macaroni & Cheese – 16 oz
- Chef’s Table Chicken Parmesan Pasta – 24 oz
- MarketFresh Three-Cheese Tortellini Meal – 20 oz
FSIS is continuing to work with retail partners to ensure all potentially contaminated products are removed from store shelves and food service facilities nationwide.
Why Listeria Contamination Is Dangerous
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can survive and grow even at refrigerator temperatures. In healthy individuals, it may cause mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and nausea. However, it poses serious risks for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
In severe cases, listeriosis can lead to bloodstream infections, meningitis, and pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or stillbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Listeria causes roughly 1,600 infections and 260 deaths each year in the United States.
Health officials emphasize that early detection and reporting of potential contamination are essential for preventing larger outbreaks. Consumers are advised to seek medical care if they experience fever or muscle aches after eating the recalled meals.
How Consumers Can Identify and Respond to the Recall
Shoppers should carefully inspect refrigerated and frozen pasta meals purchased between October 1 and November 2, 2025. The FSIS urges consumers to check the package label for the establishment number and “Use By” dates listed above.
Anyone who has the recalled products at home should:
- Do not consume the meal, even if it appears safe or smells normal.
- Dispose of it immediately in a sealed plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces, utensils, or storage areas that may have come in contact with the product.
- Contact the place of purchase for refund or replacement information.
Consumers may also reach the FSIS Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 for further questions regarding the recalled pasta meals listeria investigation.
Retailers and Distribution Impact
The recall has prompted major grocery chains to pull affected products from their shelves. Retailers across 32 states, including California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York, have issued in-store alerts and customer notifications.
In addition, several meal delivery services that source pre-cooked pasta dishes from Bacio Foods have suspended shipments pending further safety checks. Distributors are cooperating with federal authorities to trace the full supply chain and verify whether any contaminated products reached food-service or institutional facilities such as hospitals or schools.
A representative from FSIS stated that traceability data and production batch logs were instrumental in identifying the scope of the recall within hours of confirmation. The speed of the response helped prevent the potential spread of contaminated items across additional distribution channels.
Inspection and Safety Measures Going Forward
Following the recall, FSIS inspectors and local health departments have conducted unannounced facility checks at the Bacio Foods manufacturing site. Preliminary findings indicate that condensation near a cooling unit may have allowed Listeria to form on equipment surfaces. The company has since suspended production while the facility undergoes deep sanitation and process review.
The FDA and FSIS continue to emphasize preventive controls in food production, particularly for ready-to-eat products that are not cooked again before consumption. Manufacturers are required to implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans to monitor risks at every stage of processing.
In a company statement, Bacio Foods expressed regret for the incident and assured the public that it is working closely with federal regulators to strengthen its food safety protocols. The company is also retraining all facility staff on sanitation and temperature control standards to ensure this does not happen again.
Recent History of Similar Listeria Recalls
The 2025 pasta meal recall follows a series of Listeria-related alerts in the United States over the past year. In August 2025, a major recall affected frozen vegetable mixes distributed under multiple brands. Earlier in June 2025, Listeria was found in a batch of soft cheeses made in Wisconsin.
The growing number of listeria-related recalls highlights the importance of vigilant food-safety practices and consumer awareness. Foodborne illness outbreaks can occur when bacteria persist in cool or moist environments, making refrigeration alone an insufficient safeguard.
Government and Consumer Reactions
Public response to the recalled pasta meals listeria incident has been swift. Food safety advocates are urging manufacturers to increase transparency by publishing inspection data and recall timelines online. Many consumers have also expressed frustration on social media, emphasizing the need for clearer packaging information and improved recall alert systems.
On the regulatory side, FSIS and the FDA are reviewing recall communication protocols to ensure faster dissemination of information. Federal officials encourage consumers to sign up for email or text alerts through the official FoodSafety.gov platform for immediate recall notifications.
Meanwhile, consumer watchdog organizations are calling for more stringent penalties for companies that fail to promptly report contamination. They stress that foodborne illness prevention is a shared responsibility between regulators, producers, and retailers.
What This Means for U.S. Shoppers
While the recall remains precautionary, it underscores the ongoing risks of bacterial contamination in ready-to-eat meals. Experts recommend maintaining good home food-safety habits, such as:
- Keeping refrigerators below 40°F (4°C)
- Separating raw meats from cooked or ready-to-eat items
- Cleaning cutting boards and surfaces regularly
- Paying close attention to expiration dates and batch codes
As investigations continue, FSIS will release updated recall information on its official portal. Consumers should remain alert for additional product codes or expanded recall lists in the coming days.
Food safety remains everyone’s responsibility. Have you checked your fridge for the recalled pasta meals listeria products? Share your experience and stay informed about future updates to protect yourself and your family.