Walmart Recalls Frozen Bettergoods Pasta Nationwide Over Listeria Risk
Walmart shoppers may want to check their freezers. A frozen pasta sold under the retailer's Bettergoods house brand is being recalled nationwide because it may be contaminated with listeria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA notice, issued Sept. 15, covers Bettergoods frozen Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine in 22-ounce yellow plastic containers. The affected packages carry UPC 194346442706, lot codes L6079C and L6080C, and expiration dates of 9/19/2027 and 09/20/2027. The expiration dates are printed on the back of the package.
Routine testing detected bacteria in the product, the agency said. Manufacturer Gias Foods has stopped production while an investigation is underway. The recall affects Walmart stores nationwide, meaning the product could be in freezers in many households.
What to do if you bought the pasta
Consumers should not eat the recalled pasta, the FDA said. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact the company at [email protected].
Why listeria is a concern
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can make anyone sick, but it is especially dangerous for young children, adults 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection in newborns.
Symptoms usually begin within two weeks after eating contaminated food, but can start as soon as the same day or as late as 10 weeks later. They include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
In severe cases, the infection can be fatal. People at higher risk who develop flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food should seek medical attention.
The recall adds to ongoing concerns about listeria in frozen and ready-to-eat foods. Because contaminated products may not look or smell spoiled, regulators urge consumers to check packaging details rather than rely on appearance. For Walmart, the nationwide scope of the recall means store employees will likely remove affected inventory and process refunds as the manufacturer investigates the source of the contamination.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pasta sold at Walmart stores nationwide recalled. See affected item