Albertsons recalls multiple deli Items over listeria risk

Albertsons has initiated a voluntary recall of several deli and ready-to-eat items sold across its family of stores due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. While the company has stated no illnesses have been reported, the bacteria can lead to serious health issues, especially for at-risk populations. If you’ve recently purchased prepared salads, sliced deli meats, or other ready-made meals from Albertsons, Safeway, or Vons, your food could be on the list. Keep reading to see the full list of affected products and find out what steps you need to take to ensure your safety.

Albertsons pulls five popular deli items

Albertsons, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, announced over the weekend that it is recalling five deli products linked to a contaminated bowtie pasta ingredient produced by Nate’s Fine Foods. The supermarket chain, working with distributor Fresh Creative Foods, is urging shoppers not to consume the affected items and instead dispose of them or return them to any store location for a full refund.

The recalled products were distributed to various Albertsons-owned locations, such as Safeway and Vons, across more than a dozen states. To determine if an item you bought is part of the recall, check the product name, “sell thru” date, and other identifying information on the full list below.

Listeria concerns beyond Albertsons

Albertsons confirmed on Saturday that no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with its recalled deli items. However, the move comes as federal health officials continue to sound the alarm over potential listeria risks tied to ready-made meals sold by other retailers—some of which have already been linked to a deadly outbreak.

Just last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert cautioning shoppers against eating Trader Joe’s “Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo” with best-by dates of September 20, 24, and 27, along with Walmart’s “Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce,” marked with best-by dates from September 22 through October 1. While neither product has been formally recalled, both retailers have taken action: Trader Joe’s urged customers to discard or return the impacted chicken alfredo, and Walmart halted sales of its affected pasta dish.

In both cases, as with Albertsons’ recall, the underlying issue traces back to bowtie pasta supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods.

What is listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that stands out from many other foodborne pathogens because it can thrive even at refrigerator temperatures, making it especially challenging to control. Once it contaminates a food product, it can spread easily to other items and kitchen surfaces if proper cleaning isn’t done. This resilience is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials urge consumers to thoroughly sanitize counters, utensils, and containers that may have touched recalled foods linked to possible listeria exposure.

Health risks and symptoms

While healthy individuals may only experience mild symptoms, listeria infections can become life-threatening for certain groups. Pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems face the greatest risks. In severe cases, the infection can lead to meningitis, septicemia, or complications in pregnancy. Warning signs include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, confusion, and in advanced cases, loss of balance or seizures. Because the illness can take days or even weeks to appear after eating contaminated food, it is not always easy to connect symptoms with their source.

Impact in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria sickens about 1,600 Americans each year and causes around 260 deaths, making it one of the more serious foodborne illnesses despite being less common than salmonella or E. coli. Outbreaks are often linked to ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats, cheeses, salads, and produce, where refrigeration alone is not enough to stop bacterial growth. Recalls like the one recently issued by Albertsons highlight how swiftly food companies must act to minimize exposure once contamination is detected.

How to protect yourself

Consumers can reduce their risk of listeria infection by practicing careful food handling and hygiene. The CDC recommends washing raw produce thoroughly, cleaning hands and kitchen surfaces often, and keeping ready-to-eat foods separate from raw meats. Vulnerable groups are also advised to avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurized dairy products, refrigerated smoked seafood, and deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot. Regularly checking recall notices from the FDA or USDA can also help families stay informed and act quickly if a product in their home is affected.

Sources: Associated Press, Albertsons Companies