Albertsons, Safeway and Vons pull bowtie pasta deli items in California after Listeria concern tied to Nate’s Fine Foods
Boise, Idaho (Times Media Service) — California Albertsons, Safeway and Vons stores recalled several ready-to-eat bowtie pasta deli items after a bowtie pasta ingredient from Nate’s Fine Foods was linked to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination; customers should check purchases and return or discard affected items.
- What: Ready-to-eat deli items using bowtie pasta — including basil pesto pasta salad and mixed pasta dishes with chicken and spinach — have been recalled.
- Why: The bowtie pasta ingredient supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Where: Sold at Albertsons Companies stores (Albertsons, Safeway and Vons) in California and distributed to stores in more than a dozen states.
- What to do: Dispose of affected items or return them to the store for a full refund and thoroughly clean any surfaces that contacted the food.
What triggered the recall
Albertsons Companies began recalling select deli items after learning a bowtie pasta ingredient from Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, was linked to a potential risk of Listeria contamination. The company recall covers prepared deli foods that used that ingredient, according to reporting from KLVE and the Desert Sun. The recall notice specifically lists items such as basil pesto pasta salad and other ready-to-eat deli pasta dishes sold at deli counters.
Products and suppliers named
Investigators determined the recall stems from bowtie pasta supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods. Impacted deli items were prepared by suppliers including Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, and products that used Nate’s bowtie pasta ingredient (reported by Marler Blog).
Where the recalled products were sold
The recalled deli foods were sold at Albertsons Companies stores operating under the Albertsons, Safeway and Vons banners across California. Albertsons has also said the items were distributed to stores in more than a dozen other states, and customers outside California should check recall notices and labels carefully (KLVE; Desert Sun; see general tracking at Foodsafety.gov).
How consumers can identify affected items
Albertsons advises customers to check product names, sell-by or sell-through dates and official recall notices on company channels for a list of specific deli items affected. If a purchased product matches the recalled descriptions, the company recommends you do not eat the product and instead throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. Detailed company guidance and reporting are available from KLVE.
Health risks and who is most vulnerable
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious illness. People most at risk include older adults, pregnant people, newborns and people with weakened immune systems. Early symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache and stiff neck; severe infection can lead to confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. In pregnancy, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection in a newborn. The CDC notes roughly 1,600 Americans get listeriosis annually and about 260 die from it.
Current status: illnesses and public alerts
As of the latest reports, no illnesses have been publicly linked to the recalled Albertsons deli items. Federal authorities previously issued alerts related to other ready-to-eat pasta products tied to Nate’s Fine Foods that were sold at other retailers, including Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Those alerts prompted public advisories at certain chains, while Albertsons and its banners have issued formal recalls tied to the bowtie pasta ingredient (KLVE; Desert Sun).
Cleaning and safety advice for households
Because Listeria can survive and even grow in refrigerated environments, clean containers, surfaces and utensils that contacted the recalled products. Use hot, soapy water and a household disinfectant on counters, cutting boards and fridges as appropriate. If you are in a high-risk group and believe you ate a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider right away. For general recall guidance see Foodsafety.gov and for clinical guidance consult the CDC listeriosis guidance.
Broader context and industry notes
This recall is among several recent alerts involving ready-to-eat pasta and deli foods tied to a common ingredient supplier. Food-safety commentators have flagged Nate’s Fine Foods in coverage tied to multiple product advisories; supplier links can widen a recall footprint when many retailers use the same ingredient across brands and prepared foods. Tracking supplier chains explains why one ingredient can prompt recalls at multiple stores (Marler Blog).
Sources and official information
- Company statements and reporting (KLVE)
- Desert Sun reporting
- Legal and safety commentary (Marler Blog)
- Foodsafety.gov recall tracking
- CDC listeriosis information
- Additional local reporting
Implications for Los Angeles
Economic: Los Angeles shoppers frequently use Albertsons, Safeway and Vons; a local pullback in deli sales could affect store deli departments, suppliers and independent lunch counters that rely on pre-made pasta salads.
Political: Food safety scares often prompt calls for stronger oversight and transparency; local health leaders and elected officials may face pressure to provide clearer updates.
Social and cultural: High-risk households, multi-generational living situations and reliance on deli-prepared meals mean outreach must reach diverse communities and languages. Some shoppers may shift to homemade meals or trusted local delis.
Practical steps for Los Angeles residents
- Check purchases: Review labels and sell-by dates and compare them to recall lists posted by retailers and government sites (KLVE; Desert Sun).
- Return or dispose: Return affected items for a refund or throw them away; clean any containers, utensils or surfaces that contacted the food (CDC guidance).
- Seek care if needed: Pregnant people, older adults or immunocompromised individuals who ate a recalled product and develop symptoms should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
- Stay informed: Monitor retailer recall pages, Foodsafety.gov and local health department updates for changes.
“If you shop at an Albertsons, Safeway or Vons in Los Angeles, check your deli purchases now and follow store instructions for returns and cleaning to reduce risk.”
Officials and retailers say they will continue to update customers as more information becomes available. Preserve this article’s sources for reference and follow official guidance from retailers and public health agencies.
