The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert in response to a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to prepared meals. The agency reports seven new cases, including six hospitalizations and two deaths—one in Hawaii and one in Oregon—since the last update. Investigators are working to determine whether the newly affected individuals consumed previously recalled foods or if additional products may be contaminated.
Consumers are urged by the CDC to check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled foods associated with this outbreak. "CDC encourages everyone to double-check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled foods. Do not eat them," the agency stated. Details about specific food recalls that remain within use-by dates can be found on the official outbreak notice at https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-06-25/index.html.
The CDC advises consumers not to eat recalled products, recommending they be thrown away or returned to where they were purchased. It also emphasizes cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with these foods, as Listeria bacteria can survive in cold environments and spread easily.
Listeria poses a particular risk to people aged 65 or older, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems because it is more likely to cause severe illness in these groups. For pregnant women, infection can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth, or serious infection in newborns. In other vulnerable populations, hospitalization and death are possible outcomes.
Symptoms of Listeria infection typically begin within two weeks after consuming contaminated food but can appear as early as the same day or up to ten weeks later. Pregnant women usually experience fever, muscle aches, and tiredness; others may have similar symptoms along with headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
The CDC urges anyone experiencing symptoms after eating recalled foods to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Further information about Listeria is available on the CDC’s website.
For questions about specific state cases, individuals should contact their state health department. Media inquiries should be directed through the CDC’s Request for Comment form.
