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Growing Concern Over Listeria in Pasta Products
In a worrying trend for consumers, yet another food retailer has issued a recall on pasta products due to fears of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This time, Sprouts Farmers Market, with locations in over two dozen states, announced the recall of select lots of its Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad on October 9, 2025. The decision came after they were informed by their supplier, Fresh Creative Foods, of the potential contamination risk.
What to Watch For: Affected Products and Guidelines
The products in question were sold either from the grab-and-go section of stores or directly from the in-store deli service counters. Consumers should be particularly cautious of the varieties with Best Use By dates from October 10, 2025, to October 29, 2025. If you purchased the items, it is recommended to dispose of them or return to the place of purchase for a full refund. Additionally, the FDA advises cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the pasta salad.
Unearthing the Larger Listeria Issue
These recalls follow a significant food safety alert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which highlights a broader Listeria outbreak linked to prepared pasta meals across 15 states, affecting at least 20 individuals with four fatalities reported. Fresh Creative Foods is connected to multiple major retailers, such as Kroger and Trader Joe's, who have also had to issue product recalls in recent weeks. In fact, Kroger recently recalled two varieties of deli pasta salads due to similar contamination fears.
The Risks of Listeria and Consumer Safety
For those unfamiliar, Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. What makes tracking these outbreaks challenging is the long incubation period; illnesses can surface weeks after consuming contaminated food.
What Can You Do?
Awareness is key here. Consumers are urged to stay informed about food recalls, specifically products related to pasta and ready-to-eat meals. Always check labels and recall lists from the FDA or CDC, especially if you frequently purchase deli or pre-packaged salads. In the face of increasing incident reports, this proactive approach could be vital for your health.
For anyone affected or with questions regarding the pasta salad recalls, the Sprouts Customer Relations team is available at 480-814-8016 for assistance. As food safety issues remain a growing concern, consider checking out your local health information sources to stay updated.
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