Grocery chain recalls two deli staples after supplier alert of contaminated pasta
Kroger is recalling two of the deli staples sold in more than 1,800 stores across 28 states following one of its suppliers being linked to a deadly listeria outbreak.
The nation’s largest chain of grocery-focused supermarkets removed its Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad from store shelves after finding that the pasta in the two lines might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can be life-threatening or fatal for sensitive populations.
Recall linked to contaminated pasta
The recall came on the heels of Fresh Creative Foods, the company that supplies the salads to Kroger, reporting that its supplier of pasta, Nate’s Fine Foods, had launched a recall. Nate’s recalled about 245,000 pounds of prepared pasta that is believed to contain listeria contamination.
The tainted salads were sold Sept. 6-Oct.. 2 in Kroger deli counters in California, Texas, Ohio, and Washington.
Kroger said it removed the salads from shelves immediately and notified consumers through an email alert and in-store notices. Consumers who purchased either product are instructed not to eat them and to return them for a full refund or replacement.
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A deadly outbreak traced back to pasta
Nate’s Fine Foods issued its recall on Sept. 25, warning its pre-cooked bowtie pasta may be contaminated. The company warned other food companies that use its pasta in ready-to-eat salads and meals shipped nationwide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the contamination and later made a public announcement of nine tainted pasta salads and meals, one of which was made for Kroger.
Health officials stated that lab tests revealed that the strain of listeria in Nate’s pasta was the identical genetic strain responsible for a fatal outbreak that started in August 2024. The outbreak has since fatally infected four individuals and infected 20 more people in multiple states.
What makes Listeria so dangerous
Listeria is one of the bacteria that is capable of thriving and multiplying even at cold temperatures like refrigerators, hence posing a serious threat in prepackaged or ready-to-eat foods like pasta and salad.
Health officials warn that listeria infection may be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of fever, muscle aches, nausea, and confusion will result. In severe cases, the disease will progress to the blood or brain, leading to hospitalisation or death.
Kroger and the manufacturers have instructed consumers to check their refrigerators and throw away any of the affected salads immediately.
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Other products were also affected
The pasta recall has extended to a number of food brands. FreshRealm, another meal provider that utilised Nate’s pasta in its prepared foods, was the company that assisted in confirming the contamination by comparing genetic samples from impacted foods to the current outbreak.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also issued a public health alert for two HelloFresh Ready Made Meals — Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey and Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta — after they found Listeria in one of their spinach ingredients.
The coincidence of these recalls shows how tainted ingredients can move through the supply chain and affect different brands so effortlessly.
Kroger’s response and customer safety
Kroger is working with federal authorities and suppliers to get off the shelves any potentially contaminated products. “Customer safety is our top priority,” the firm released in a statement. “We are working with the suppliers and health authorities closely to avoid any further risk.”
Health authorities tell individuals who consumed the recalled salads and are suffering from illness to seek the doctor’s help immediately.
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What shoppers should do
Consumers can view the Kroger recall notice on the Internet or visit their neighbourhood store for additional information. Refunds are offered with or without a receipt.
While recalls of food are frequent, health experts note this one is a reminder of how crucial it is to pay attention to recall notices — especially when ready-to-eat food is in question that can’t be further cooked.
For now, the safest bet for Kroger shoppers is simple: if you bought either of the recalled salad items, don’t risk it — throw it away or return it right away.
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