Health Alert: Trader Joe’s and Walmart Frozen Meals May Contain Listeria [dflip id="20649"][/dflip] WASHINGTON, D.C. — A public health alert has been issued for certain frozen pasta meals sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart nationwide due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria linked to a deadly outbreak earlier this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued the alert Thursday, warning consumers to avoid Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce sold at Walmart in clear 12-ounce trays. The affected products carry best-by dates of Sept. 22, 24, 25, 29, 30 and Oct. 1, and bear establishment numbers “EST. 50784” and “EST. 47718”. Trader Joe's Cajun Alfredo Also Flagged The next day, the alert was updated to include Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo, sold in 16-ounce trays with best-by dates of Sept. 20, 24, and 27. These trays are marked with the establishment number P-45288. “We are issuing this guidance in an abundance of caution because testing of another brand with a shared ingredient source indicated this product may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” said Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s stated that stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah may be affected. No Official Recall Yet Although no recall has been issued, and no illnesses tied to these specific products have been reported, the USDA emphasized caution. The same strain of listeria was found in a different chicken Alfredo meal sold at Walmart earlier this year — one linked to four deaths and at least 20 illnesses. Testing by FreshRealm, the producer of the Walmart linguine, confirmed the presence of listeria in their product. Further testing is underway to determine if it's genetically related to the outbreak strain. Consumers should check their refrigerators and dispose of these products immediately. Continued monitoring and updates are expected as new information becomes available. For more food safety updates and helpful resources, visit tutor.bookflicker.com/shop.
