Albertsons recalls bowtie-pasta deli items in California over Listeria contamination risk
Albertsons Companies recalled several bowtie-pasta-containing deli items sold in California stores on September 28, 2025, after tracing a potentially Listeria-contaminated pasta ingredient to Nate’s Fine Foods; consumers should discard or return affected products immediately for safety.
- Recall led by: Albertsons Companies on Sept. 28, 2025; supplier traced to Nate’s Fine Foods.
- Where sold: Items sold at Albertsons Market, Safeway and Von’s in California (products were distributed to multiple states).
- Risk: Possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in bowtie pasta used in ready-to-eat deli salads and similar items.
What was recalled and how to identify it
Albertsons pulled five deli products that include bowtie (farfalle) pasta. Examples cited by the retailer include basil pesto pasta salad and pasta dishes with chicken and spinach. Specific product names and sell‑thru dates appear on the retailer notice; customers should check receipts or package labels to confirm whether their purchase is affected.
If you are uncertain whether a deli item is part of the recall, Albertsons advises you to discard the product in a sealed bag or return it to the store for a full refund. For the official recall notice, see Albertsons recall coverage.
Supplier link and related advisories
The recalled bowtie pasta was manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods and distributed in some cases by Fresh Creative Foods. Industry reporting and food-safety blogs have traced supply-chain links; see analysis on the Marler Blog.
Other retailers, including Walmart and Trader Joe’s, posted related advisories after ingredients with the same source were identified; at the time of Albertsons’ recall those were advisories rather than formal recalls (Desert Sun reporting).
Scope of contamination and government response
Federal agencies are actively monitoring Listeria in ready-to-eat foods. In May 2025 the FDA and CDC investigated a listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat items; that probe resulted in a recall by Fresh & Ready Foods after environmental sampling found the outbreak strain at a California facility. See the FDA investigation of May 2025 listeria outbreak.
Albertsons’ late-September recall follows these ongoing federal warnings; the FDA continues tracing supply chains and environmental sources tied to listeria in ready-to-eat products.
Health risks and public guidance
About Listeria monocytogenes: This bacterium can cause serious illness and can grow at refrigeration temperatures. People most vulnerable include older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
Public health guidance: Do not eat recalled items. Either discard them in a sealed bag or return them to the store for a refund; clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, utensils or refrigerator shelves that may have been exposed.
Symptoms of listeriosis can appear within two weeks of exposure but may begin as late as 10 weeks after contact. Watch for fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. Severe infections may require hospitalization.
No illnesses reported so far
As of the end of September 2025, Albertsons’ recall has not been linked to any reported illnesses. Retailers and public‑health agencies continue to monitor for cases and urge consumers to follow recall instructions to prevent potential infections.
Timeline of related incidents
- May 2025: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled multiple ready‑to‑eat products after FDA environmental samples found the outbreak strain; the outbreak included confirmed listeriosis cases and hospitalizations.
- September 28, 2025: Albertsons recalls multiple deli items in California after tracing a recalled bowtie pasta ingredient to Nate’s Fine Foods; related retailer advisories followed.
Investigative questions and gaps
Public documents name Nate’s Fine Foods as the pasta manufacturer and Fresh Creative Foods as a distributor for some products, but questions remain: were environmental samples taken from Nate’s facilities? How are raw ingredients and sanitation records being traced? Regulators continue inspections and investigations.
Implications for the world
Economic: Recalls can ripple through supply chains, reducing consumer confidence, increasing testing and cleanup costs, and causing short‑term sales declines in deli categories. Suppliers and small businesses that share ingredient networks may be affected.
Regulatory & political: Repeated listeria incidents increase pressure on governments to fund inspections, lab capacity and recall systems; international importers may expand testing or issue advisories.
Social & cultural: Concern over contamination of convenience foods may shift consumer behavior toward home cooking or avoidance of certain ready‑to‑eat categories.
Practical steps for consumers and businesses:
- Check purchases for recalled items; discard or return them as instructed.
- Thoroughly clean refrigerators, shelves, containers and utensils that contacted affected foods.
- Food service operators should verify suppliers, increase environmental testing and strengthen traceability.
Sources and further reading
Reporting and investigation sources used for this article:
- Albertsons recall coverage
- Marler Blog coverage
- KATC coverage of similar deli recalls
- Desert Sun reporting on related retailer advisories
- FDA investigation of May 2025 listeria outbreak in ready-to-eat foods
If you purchased deli items from Albertsons Market, Safeway or Von’s in California recently: check the retailer notice and act now to discard or return any affected products.
