The deadly multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to prepared pasta meals has grown, with seven new illnesses and two additional deaths reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 30. In total, the outbreak has now sickened 27 individuals across 18 states, resulting in six deaths and one fetal loss.

The outbreak has been linked to linguine used in prepared pasta meals distributed under various brand names, and produced by FreshRealm and California Ranch Food Company. Both firms shared a linguine noodle supplier, Nate’s Fine Foods Inc., which tested positive for the outbreak strain of L. monocytogenes.

Affected products were sold at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Giant Eagle, Demers Food Group, and Albertsons, as well as smaller retailers across the U.S. The most recent recall, announced on October 30, includes Sprouts Farmers Market smoked mozzarella pasta salad, as well as Scott and Jon's shrimp scampi with linguini bowls, issued by Demers Food Group. A full list of recalled products and affected stores can be viewed here.

On October 10, FDA shared that, of the 13 outbreak patients interviewed, more than half reported consuming precooked meals, with four specifically identifying chicken fettuccine alfredo.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and CDC are coordinating with state and local partners to trace the source of contamination.