Frozen Pasta Recall: Listeria Risk Triggers Warning in 8 States
According to News Week, Frozen Fettuccine Alfredo entrees sold in at least eight states have been recalled due to potential contamination with a dangerous bacteria. The recall involves Michelina’s brand “Fettuccine Alfredo Entree w/ Chicken & Broccoli,” which poses a risk of Listeria monocytogenes.
Recall Details
A notice was shared on the website of supermarket chain Wegmans on Friday, alerting consumers to the issue. The recall specifically affects 8-ounce packages of the product.
While Michelina’s is widely available in various stores across the United States, this particular recall may be limited to products sold at Wegmans locations. Wegmans operates stores in the District of Columbia and the following eight states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
Affected Product Information
The recalled entrees have the following packaging details:
- UPC number: 71785410521
- Product codes: J4274, J4233, J4269
- Best By dates: 9/30/2025, 8/20/2025, 9/25/2025
Wegmans advises customers who purchased the recalled items to return them for a full refund. For any additional questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Bellisio Foods, the manufacturer of Michelina’s, at 1-866-240-5364 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can lead to severe symptoms, even in individuals who are otherwise healthy. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 260 of an estimated 1,600 annual cases are fatal.
While most listeriosis infections are limited to the digestive system, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food, a more invasive form of the illness may develop within two weeks.
Symptoms of Invasive Listeriosis
Symptoms of the invasive illness include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
The CDC indicates that about 1 in 20 people who contract the invasive form of listeriosis without being pregnant may die from the illness.
For pregnant individuals, symptoms are often mild or nonexistent; however, invasive illness can lead to serious outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Conclusion
While listeriosis cases are relatively rare, outbreaks do occur sporadically, and contamination with Listeria is a common reason for food product recalls. Earlier this year, an outbreak linked to recalled Boar’s Head deli meats resulted in 10 fatalities and at least 59 illnesses. The CDC noted that the true number of affected individuals may be higher due to underreporting.
Consumers are urged to stay informed and cautious regarding food safety to prevent potential health risks associated with contaminated products.
