to-eat Walmart meal may have listeria

A public health alert has been issued for ready-to-eat meals, containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated pre-cooked pasta, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

The following product is subject to the public health alert:

• 12-oz. clear plastic tray packages labeled “MARKET-Ready-SIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE,” with “best if used by” dates SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025.

The product bears establishment number “EST. 50784” or “EST. 47718,” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This item was shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. Consumption of food contaminated with Lm can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories, who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food, should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.