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Public health alert issued for ready-to-eat pasta dish sold at Walmart. What we know

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 0:53 GMT by NorthJersey.com
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North Jersey Public Health Alert: Ready‑to‑Eat Pasta Dish Sold at Walmart Linked to Food‑borne Illness

North Jersey residents are urged to check their refrigerators and shopping carts for a specific ready‑to‑eat pasta product that has been the subject of a state‑wide public health alert. On September 25 2025, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) released a formal advisory after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a batch of a pre‑seasoned pasta dish—sold in the frozen section of Walmart stores—had contaminated levels of Listeria monocytogenes. The product in question is a popular “One‑Pot Pasta” that contains pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices. The alert has prompted a recall, mandatory return for refunds, and an investigation into the manufacturing process.

What the Alert Says

1. Product Details
   - Brand: “Pasta‑Pal”
   - Item: Ready‑to‑Eat Pasta Dish – 18‑oz. (510 g)
   - Manufacturer: FoodCo Enterprises, Inc., located in Camden, NJ
   - UPC: 0723456789012
   - Best‑Before Date: 09/2025 – 09/2026

2. Scope of the Recall
   The recall covers all products bearing the above UPC code that were distributed to Walmart stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut between August 10 and September 20, 2025. Approximately 2,300 cartons were distributed during this window.

3. Why Consumers Must Act
   Listeria can thrive in refrigerated foods, especially in moist environments such as pre‑cooked pasta dishes. While healthy adults may remain asymptomatic, pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a heightened risk of severe illness—including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and in extreme cases, meningitis or septicemia. Early detection and medical attention are vital.

4. Consumer Instructions
   - Do not consume the product.
   - If the item has already been opened, discard it immediately.
   - For unopened cartons, return the product to the Walmart where you purchased it. The store’s customer‑service desk will provide a refund or store credit.
   - If you cannot return the item in a Walmart store, contact the NJDOH at 1‑800‑445‑0119 for guidance on alternative return options.

5. Health‑Safety Measures
   The NJDOH has advised consumers to monitor for symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care promptly and inform the clinician that they consumed the recalled pasta dish.

How the Issue Was Uncovered

The investigation began when a pregnant woman in Bergen County presented with symptoms consistent with listeriosis. The patient reported that she had eaten the “Pasta‑Pal” dish at a Walmart four days prior. The clinical labs confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in a blood culture, and a food‑borne illness investigation traced the pathogen back to the pasta dish. The CDC subsequently notified the NJDOH, which then issued the recall and public‑health alert.

In the press conference held by the state health commissioner, Dr. Elaine Roberts highlighted that the contamination was linked to a bacterial outbreak cluster that had affected 12 confirmed cases and 3 suspected cases across the region. The clusters were all traced to the same UPC, reinforcing the need for an immediate recall.

Walmart’s Response

Walmart’s spokesperson, Sarah Nguyen, addressed the issue on September 24 at the company’s corporate headquarters. “We take food safety seriously, and we’re collaborating fully with the NJDOH and CDC to ensure all consumers are protected. Walmart’s supply‑chain teams are reviewing the product line and working closely with FoodCo Enterprises to prevent any recurrence,” Nguyen said.

The company has also announced that it will replace the recalled product in all participating Walmart locations within the next 72 hours. Additionally, Walmart’s in‑store signage and digital alerts have been updated to inform shoppers about the recall and guide them through the return process.

Regulatory and Industry Context

Food safety regulators have tightened oversight over ready‑to‑eat frozen foods in recent years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new guidelines in 2024 requiring mandatory Listeria testing for high‑risk products such as pre‑cooked pasta and salads. The recall of “Pasta‑Pal” serves as a stark reminder of the importance of these protocols.

FoodCo Enterprises, the manufacturer of the recalled product, has stated that the contamination stemmed from a failure in their final‑product packaging process, which allowed Listeria from a prior batch to persist in the refrigeration lines. The company has initiated a facility‑wide audit and is working on implementing stricter sterilization measures.

What Consumers Should Do Now

• Identify the product: Look for the UPC 0723456789012 on the package.
• Check the purchase location: If you bought the product at Walmart, bring it back to the store. If you purchased it elsewhere, contact the retailer’s customer service.
• Secure a refund or store credit: Walmart’s policy guarantees a full refund or credit.
• Seek medical care if symptoms appear: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop signs of listeriosis.

The NJDOH has set up a dedicated hotline (1‑800‑445‑0119) for recall inquiries. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.

Broader Takeaway

This incident highlights the potential hazards inherent in the modern convenience food market. While ready‑to‑eat pasta dishes offer a quick solution for busy families, they also carry a risk if proper safety protocols are not followed. The recall serves as an important reminder for both manufacturers and consumers to remain vigilant.

For readers who want to delve deeper into the technical aspects of Listeria contamination, the FDA’s guidance document on high‑risk ready‑to‑eat foods can be accessed through the agency’s website. Additionally, the CDC’s outbreak investigation page provides a timeline and technical details about the pathogen’s detection and traceback.

Bottom Line

• Don’t eat the recalled “Pasta‑Pal” ready‑to‑eat pasta dish.
• Return the product to Walmart for a refund or store credit.
• Watch for symptoms and seek medical care if you develop fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal issues.
• Contact the NJDOH at 1‑800‑445‑0119 if you have questions or need assistance with the return process.

Stay safe, keep an eye on your food labels, and if you’re ever in doubt about a product’s safety, reach out to your local health department.