Frozen pasta sold at Walmart stores nationwide is being recalled due to possible listeria contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The pasta sold under the Walmart-exclusive brand name Bettergoods could be contaminated with listeria, according to the FDA notice issued on Sept. 15. Routine testing found bacteria in the products, and manufacturer Gias Foods has stopped production pending an investigation.
Listeria is a harmful bacterium that can cause serious and even fatal illness in some people, including children, older people and pregnant people. While it's most dangerous to certain groups, listeria can make anyone sick, so the FDA advises against eating the affected products.
Here's what to know about the pasta recall.
Which Walmart pasta was recalled?
The
frozen pasta comes in yellow plastic containers with the expiration dates printed on the back of the package. They were sold at Walmart stores nationwide.
- Bettergoods frozen Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine 22-ounce; UPC 194346442706; lots codes L6079C, L6080C; expiration dates 9/19/2027, 09/20/2027
What to do with recalled pasta
Customers should not eat the recalled pasta and can return the affected products to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the FDA.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at sales@giasfoods.com.
What are the symptoms of listeria poisoning?
Listeria poisoning is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially when contracted by adults over 65, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women.
Symptoms usually start within two weeks of eating contaminated food, but may begin as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. According to the CDC, symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
- Death
People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pasta sold at Walmart stores nationwide recalled. See affected item
