WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat meals containing pre-cooked pasta that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The FSIS alert applies to specific packages of “MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE.” The 12-ounce clear plastic tray packages were shipped to Walmart locations across the nation.

The potentially contaminated products bear “best if used by” dates of Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 25, Sept. 29, Sept. 30, and Oct. 1, 2025. The establishment numbers are “EST. 50784” or "EST. 47718" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The announcement states that the producing company, FreshRealm, collected samples of the Food and Drug Administration-regulated pasta as part of an investigation related to a previous Listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals.

The test confirmed the linguine pasta was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Further testing is underway to determine if the contamination is genetically related to the outbreak strain.

FSIS is coordinating with the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health partners as the investigation continues. The agency expects to provide updates and cautioned that additional products may be added to the alert.

Eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis. This serious infection primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and their newborns. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.

Customers who have purchased the products are urged not to eat them. The meals should be thrown out or returned to the store.