Gias Foods is recalling two lots of its bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine, sold nationwide at Walmart, due to concerns of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacteria.
The affected product is packaged in 22-ounce yellow plastic bags, identified by UPC number 194346442706 and lot numbers L6079C or L6080C. These lots have expiration dates of September 19 or September 20, 2027.
The recall was initiated following routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which revealed the presence of Listeria in the finished product. Gias Foods has halted distribution of the product while it collaborates with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the source of the contamination.
Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled pasta. The product should either be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection that can lead to severe illness, including fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women are at particular risk, as infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. While most individuals infected with Listeria recover, the bacteria can spread from the gut to the nervous system, leading to severe complications and death in approximately 250 out of 1,250 annual cases in the United States. Listeria is known to survive refrigeration and can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and decaying vegetation, as well as in foods such as unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, ready-to-eat meats, and pre-cut fruits.