- Kroger recalls two pasta salads due to potential listeria contamination.
- No illnesses have been reported so far from consumed products.
- It's the latest pasta recall involving other brands and stores in multiple states.
The Kroger family of stores is warning customers to check their refrigerators for two pasta salads sold in its delis. Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad, sold in 28 states, are being recalled over risk of listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The initial recall was initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, which makes the salad kits. That company had been notified by the manufacturer of its pasta ingredient, Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, that the pasta might be contaminated.
No one has reported being ill so far.
The recall was expanded to other states and differently branded stores, including in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and West Virginia.
The notice said the salads were sold from the deli full- and self-service cases at 1,860 Kroger stores between Aug. 29 and Oct. 2, including Kroger, Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Payless, Ralphs and Smith’s stores. The items are no longer on store shelves and customers are being notified through register tape receipts and email alerts. But it’s not possible to notify all those who may have purchased the products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that other stores are recalling different products that contain pasta from that supplier.
About Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and anyone with a weakened immune system. It can also cause miscarriage and stilbirth in pregnant women. More rarely, the illness can be fatal. Most people will just have short-term symptoms, which can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
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Customers may also call 1-800-KROGERS, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. EDT to 12:00 a.m. EDT, and Saturday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. EDT to 9:00 p.m. EDT.
Other recalls related to the pasta
Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc., expanded their recall of specific lots of pre-cooked pasta including fettucine, linguine, and farfalle (bowtie), again related to listeria.
The FDA notice said Nate’s doesn’t sell directly to customers, but rather to retailers. It’s possible the additional recalls will be needed; that’s being determined.
Other products being recalled include Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls 9.6-oz. with specific March 2027 dates distributed by Demers Food Group.
Another recall involves TraderJoe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo 16-oz plastic tray packages with specific dates, per a USDA FSIS public health alert.
An Albertsons recall includes ready-made pasta salads with sales dates of Sept. 8 to Oct. 4.
There were also earlier pasta recalls that have expired. Additional product information is available in “Product Descriptions” section below.
According to the FDA, “prepared meals made with the affected pasta may have been sold in the refrigerated and frozen sections of grocery stores and are intended for microwaving and/or cooking before eating. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased this product are advised to contact their retailer.”