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A deadly Listeria outbreak tied to prepackaged pasta dishes has led to a nationwide recall affecting several major grocery chains, including Trader Joe's, Kroger, Albertsons, and Walmart.

Health officials say six people have died and at least 27 others have fallen ill across 18 states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak is linked to prepared pasta meals distributed by Nate's Fine Foods, which supplies multiple national retailers.

Twenty-five people have been hospitalized, and the CDC warns that the number could rise as investigations continue.

The affected products were sold under several store labels, including Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads, Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, and Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

The recall also includes Marketside and Albertsons pasta dishes. Consumers are urged to check "use by" or "best before" dates listed between August 2025 and October 2025, depending on the brand.

According to CBS News, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the recalled meals were made with ingredients supplied by Nate's Fine Foods, which is cooperating with both the FDA and CDC to trace the contamination source.

"We are working with federal partners to identify and eliminate the root cause of the outbreak," the company said in a statement.

CDC Warns Public to Toss Recalled Pasta

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly among pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, confusion, and in severe cases, convulsions or pregnancy complications.

The CDC has urged consumers to throw away any recalled pasta dishes, even if they have been frozen, and to clean refrigerators and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated food.

"If you've purchased any of these items, do not eat them," the agency warned. "Dispose of them safely or return them to the store for a refund."

Listeria infections are rare but severe. Infections can appear within a few days of exposure or take up to 10 weeks to develop, Today reported. Officials continue to monitor cases across the country as they work to contain the outbreak.

Consumers can find the full recall list and product codes on the FDA's recall page or NHTSA.gov/recalls, and contact the retailer where they purchased the product for additional information.