The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that a deadly listeria outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold primarily at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Kroger stores.
According to CDC data about the listeria outbreak:
- 15 states have reported listeria cases linked to this outbreak
- California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah
- 20 total cases have been officially confirmed
- 4 deaths have been officially reported
- 19 hospitalizations have been confirmed (95% hospitalization rate)
Products that have tested positive for listeria contamination include:
- Marketside:
- Beef meatball linguine meals
- Chicken fettuccine alfredo meals
- Home Chef:
- Chicken fettuccine alfredo meals
- Trader Joe’s (brand):
- Chicken fettuccine alfredo meals
Additionally, Albertsons Companies, Inc., the corporation that manages Albertsons and Safeway stores, has recalled several pasta salad meals upon the announcement of the listeria-related recall. It is not clear if those pasta meals have tested positive for listeria contamination as well.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a press release that contains more specific details about the recalled products, which you can review by clicking here.
What Should Consumers Do?
Listeria is a dangerous strain of bacteria that can contaminate many types of food and resist degradation caused by refrigeration and freezing. If ingested, it can cause listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous among elderly people, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. Historically, listeriosis is the deadliest source of food-borne illnesses in the U.S.
Due to the severe symptoms often caused by listeriosis, the CDC has instructed anyone with a recalled product to immediately discard it in the trash. It is not safe to attempt to cook away the bacteria, even after it has been frozen. Some consumers might be able to return the recalled product to the place of purchase while providing clear instructions to the worker that the product is recalled and unsafe for consumption.
(More information about this unfolding situation can be found by reading a full article from Today by clicking here.)
Will a Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Begin?
At this time, it is not known if legal action will be brought against the manufacturers of the listeria-contaminated foods, or Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s for selling the unsafe food products. However, strict product liability laws might allow consumers, especially consumers who fell ill or lost a loved one to listeriosis, to file a claim in pursuit of compensation and justice.
At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we have a long history of handling product liability claims, including those involving unsafe food products and food poisoning. We have more than 40 years of total experience and a well of professional resources to put to use in every case we take for clients in need. Located in Pennsylvania but able to help clients nationwide, we’re standing by to hear from you. If you or your family were injured due to a listeria-contaminated food product sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or Kroger, call (844) 383-0565 today to discuss your legal options with our attorneys during a free case evaluation.