A new food recall has been announced by Kroger, one of the biggest supermarket chains in the United States. The company has pulled back some of its ready-to-eat pasta salads after reports of a serious listeria outbreak spreading across several states.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the situation closely as more people are falling sick.
What Is Happening
A multistate listeria outbreak has been confirmed in 15 states. So far, at least 20 people have become ill and four have died. Health officials believe that the source of the illness is contaminated pasta used in pre-made salads sold by grocery stores like Kroger and Walmart.
Because of this, Kroger and another grocery chain, Giant Eagle, have expanded their recall list. The new recall was issued on October 4, 2025, and includes popular pasta salads sold at deli counters and grab-and-go sections.
Newly Recalled Kroger Products
Below is a simple table showing the recalled pasta products:
| Product Name | UPC Code | Sale Dates | Where Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad | 217573-10000 / 217573-20000 | Sept 6 – Oct 2, 2025 | Sold at deli counters and grab-and-go packs |
| Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad | 227573-10000 | Aug 29 – Sept 2, 2025 | Sold at deli counters and grab-and-go packs |
These salads were available in many stores under the Kroger Family, such as Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Ralphs, Smith’s, and more.
The Giant Eagle grocery chain also recalled the Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad sold in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Indiana.
Why Were These Items Recalled
The FDA found that some pasta used in these salads might contain Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause listeriosis. This infection can be very harmful, especially to older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
Even though no specific illness has been directly linked to the recalled salads, Kroger decided to remove them as a safety precaution to protect customers.
What Should You Do If You Bought These Products
If you have bought any of the recalled salads:
- Do not eat them.
- Return them to the store for a full refund or throw them away safely.
- Wash and sanitize all containers, dishes, and surfaces that touched the food.
- Wash your hands well after cleaning.
- If you start feeling sick, see a doctor immediately and mention you may have eaten recalled food.
Listeria Outbreak Details
The outbreak was first noticed in June 2025. By the end of September, 20 people were confirmed infected. Out of these, 19 were hospitalized, and 4 people died.
Deaths occurred in Utah, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. The following states have reported infections:
| State | Number of Listeria Cases |
|---|---|
| California | 2 |
| Florida | 1 |
| Illinois | 1 |
| Indiana | 1 |
| Louisiana | 2 |
| Michigan | 2 |
| Minnesota | 1 |
| Missouri | 1 |
| Nevada | 1 |
| North Carolina | 1 |
| Ohio | 1 |
| South Carolina | 1 |
| Texas | 3 |
| Utah | 1 |
| Virginia | 1 |
Symptoms of Listeria Poisoning
Listeria poisoning, or listeriosis, can cause:
- Fever and muscle pain
- Headache or stiff neck
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion or loss of balance
- In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage or serious newborn infection
Symptoms can appear a few days to two months after eating contaminated food. If you have flu-like symptoms and belong to a high-risk group, get medical help immediately.
The Kroger pasta recall shows how serious food safety issues can become. The Basil Pesto Bowtie and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salads were recalled to prevent more people from getting sick. This listeria outbreak has already affected 15 states, leading to four deaths and many hospitalizations.
If you recently bought ready-to-eat pasta salads, check the packaging and UPC codes carefully. Food recalls can save lives — taking quick action can protect your health and your family’s safety.
FAQs
What should I do with the recalled Kroger pasta salad?
You should return it to the store for a refund or throw it away. Do not eat it.
Can cooking kill listeria?
Yes, cooking at high temperatures can kill the bacteria, but these salads are already prepared and not meant to be reheated.
How long after eating listeria-contaminated food can I get sick?
Symptoms can appear within a few days or even up to two months later.
