Listeria Outbreak Widens: Scott Jons Pasta Product Recalled Amid Deadly Contamination Concerns

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Expands: Another Pasta Product Recalled A new development in the ongoing listeria outbreak has been announced, with Scott Jons Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Pasta Bowls (9.6-oz) being recalled over concerns of listeria contamination. The move comes as at least 20 people have fallen ill and four have died due to the outbreak, which has affected prepared pasta products across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the product was supplied by Nates Fine Food, a company that has been linked to several other recalled pasta products. The FDA has not released a list of retailers where Scott Jons Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Pasta Bowls were sold, but did provide best-by dates to look for: March 12, 2027; March 13, 2027; March 17, 2027; and March 21, 2027. "We urge consumers to check their freezers immediately and discard any product with these dates," said a spokesperson for the FDA. "While no illnesses have been reported from consuming Scott Jons Shrimp Scampi, we are taking this precautionary measure to ensure public safety." The CDC has identified illnesses tied to the listeria outbreak in 15 states, with the largest number of cases found in California and New York. In related news, Kroger stores have added deli bowtie and penne pasta salads sold from Aug. 29, 2025, to Oct. 2, 2025, to the list of recalled products. The global food industry has been on high alert since the outbreak was first reported in late August. "This is a wake-up call for the entire food industry," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on food safety at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "We need to take a closer look at our supply chains and ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent contamination." The listeria outbreak has raised concerns about food safety in the United States, particularly among consumers who rely heavily on prepared foods. According to a recent survey by the market research firm Nielsen, 62% of Americans report cooking from scratch less than once a week. As the investigation into the outbreak continues, health officials are urging consumers to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against listeria contamination. "This is not just a food safety issue; it's also an economic one," said Dr. Rodriguez. "We need to find ways to prevent these outbreaks from happening in the first place." The CDC has advised consumers to check their freezers for recalled products and discard any that are found. Consumers can also report any suspected cases of listeria contamination to their local health department. Background: Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly among pregnant women, young children, and older adults. According to the CDC, listeria outbreaks have been linked to contaminated food products in several countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Global Context: The listeria outbreak has sparked concerns about food safety globally. In Europe, where food safety regulations are stricter than those in the United States, officials have expressed concern that the outbreak may be linked to a larger issue with food supply chains. "We need to take a closer look at our global food systems and ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent contamination," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez. Additional Perspectives: The listeria outbreak has also raised concerns about the role of large retailers in ensuring food safety. "We need to hold these companies accountable for the products they sell," said a spokesperson for the advocacy group Food & Water Watch. As the investigation into the outbreak continues, health officials are urging consumers to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against listeria contamination. Current Status: The CDC has identified illnesses tied to the listeria outbreak in 15 states. No new cases have been reported since October 10, but health officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Next Developments: As the investigation into the outbreak continues, health officials are expected to provide further updates on the number of affected products and retailers. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against listeria contamination. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*