Trader Joe’s fans, heads up! A potential listeria contamination has led to a public health alert for one of your favorite frozen meals.
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Here’s everything you need to know in quick, easy-to-read bullets. This focuses solely on the affected Trader Joe’s product as of September 28, 2025.
What’s the Issue?
- Contamination Concern: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat frozen pasta meals potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Linked Outbreak: This ties into a broader listeria outbreak affecting at least 20 people across 15 states since August 2024, with 19 hospitalizations and 4 deaths.
- Source of Problem: The contamination stems from pre-cooked pasta supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California, which tested positive for listeria.
- Precautionary Alert: No illnesses directly linked to this specific Trader Joe’s product yet, but tests on shared ingredients prompted the warning.
Affected Product Details
- Product Name: Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo (also labeled as “Cajun-style blackened chicken breast fettuccine Alfredo”).
- Package Size: 16-ounce plastic tray.
- Best By Dates: September 20, 2025; September 24, 2025; or September 27, 2025.
- Identification Mark: Establishment number “P-45288” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
- Distribution Areas: Primarily sold in Trader Joe’s stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Who’s at Risk and Symptoms
- High-Risk Groups: Pregnant individuals, newborns, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable.
- Potential Complications: Can cause severe infections like listeriosis, leading to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening issues.
- Common Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fatigue, diarrhea (typically appear within 2 weeks of consumption).
- Annual Impact: CDC estimates 1,600 U.S. listeria infections yearly, with about 260 deaths.
- Action if Symptomatic: Consult a doctor immediately; early antibiotics can help.
What Should You Do?
- Do Not Consume: Throw away or return the product immediately—do not eat it.
- Return Policy: Bring it back to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund; no receipt required.
- Store Response: Trader Joe’s has removed these items from shelves.
- For Questions: Contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 or use their website feedback form.
- Stay Updated: Check the FSIS website or Trader Joe’s official channels for the latest info.
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