A major recall has been issued nationwide for certain pasta salads sold at Kroger-owned stores, including Fred Meyer and QFC in Washington and Oregon, due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall began in late September when Fresh Creative Foods, a supplier to Kroger, notified them about contaminated bowtie pasta used in their salad kits. This expanded on October 1st when Nate’s Fine Foods, the pasta supplier to Fresh Creative Foods, included penne pasta in the recall. Affected products include the Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad (sold September 6–October 2) and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad (sold August 29–October 2), which customers are urged to return for a full refund.

The recall has also impacted other grocery chains like Albertson’s and Trader Joe’s. According to the FDA, 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, and 4 deaths have been linked to this Listeria outbreak, though no cases have yet been reported in Washington or Oregon. The contamination is believed to have originated from a third-party supplier further down the production chain, highlighting risks in the multi-tiered supply system for deli products.