Kroger Issues Urgent Recall: Deli Pasta Salads Feared Contaminated with Listeria Across 28 States

Kroger, one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, has issued an urgent and widespread recall of its popular deli pasta salads across 28 states. The move comes amid concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe, sometimes fatal, infections.

The recall impacts a variety of Kroger brand and Private Selection brand deli pasta salads, which were sold in deli cases in stores spanning Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This extensive list highlights the critical nature of the recall and its broad reach across Kroger's operating regions.

Customers who have purchased these deli pasta salads are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should immediately return the products to the store for a full refund or replacement.

Kroger emphasizes that customer safety is its top priority and is working diligently to remove all affected products from shelves.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall to date, the potential risks are significant, prompting the rapid response from Kroger.

The supplier, Ragozzino Foods Inc., notified Kroger of the potential contamination, leading to the immediate recall.

This proactive measure aims to prevent any possible health incidents among consumers.

Kroger encourages any customers with questions or concerns regarding the recall to contact their customer service line or visit their official website for more information. It's a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in food safety and the critical role of recalls in protecting public health.