Greencore recalls pasta products over deadly listeria contamination risk

In the United Kingdom, food producer Greencore announced a recall of several ready-to-eat pasta products due to concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects items sold in major supermarket chains ASDA and Morrisons, specifically targeting three pasta salad products. The affected products include ASDA's Cheese & Tomato Pasta Salad (300g) with a use-by date of August 10, ASDA's Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad (500g) with a use-by date of August 9, and Morrisons' Chicken and Bacon Pasta (300g) with a use-by date of August 7. The Food Standards Agency has advised consumers not to eat these products and has stated that a receipt is not necessary for returning the items. Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection that may lead to severe complications such as meningitis or sepsis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The NHS has indicated that while listeriosis is often mild, it can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations. The bacteria is typically found in raw dairy products and ready-to-eat foods, and contaminated items may not show visible signs of spoilage. The UK Health Security Agency reported 179 cases of listeriosis in England and Wales in 2024, with 28 deaths among non-pregnancy-related cases. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms after consuming the recalled products.