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A nationwide recall of a pasta product due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Demers Food Group LLC issued a voluntary recall for select lots of Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi With Linguine on October 1 due to the possible contamination. The FDA later issued a Class I risk classification for the recall on October 24. Newsweek contacted Demers Food Group LLC for comment by email outside of regular working hours on Monday. Why It Matters A Class I risk classification, one of three, represents “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA. The FDA warned that listeria “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.” It added: “Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.” Stock image of a linguine dish. (Matthew Mead/AP) What To Know The product affected by the recall is the following: Scott & Jon s Shrimp Scampi with Linguine – 12,962 cases – Lot numbers: S254522, S255522, S259522, S263521, S263522 – expiry or use-by dates: 3/12/2027, 3/13/2027, 3/17/2027, 3/21/2027 – UPC codes: 858175003919 The product was recalled because it contained linguini pasta supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods that was possibly contaminated with listeria, the FDA said. The pasta was distributed nationally to wholesale distributors and operators between September 15 and 25 this year. As of October 1, no illnesses had been reported by the FDA in connection with the consumption of the recalled product. What People Are Saying The FDA said in the recall notice: “The FDA recommends in these cases that anyone who purchased or received any recalled products to use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria monocytogenes can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.” It adds on its website: “For the less severe, non-invasive listeriosis, mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur, and often persists for 1 to 3 days. “For the more severe, life-threatening invasive form of the disease, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.” What Happens Next The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA. Customers who purchased the affected product are advised not to eat it and to throw it away, or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
