A nationwide outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes has once again raised alarms about the safety of ready-to-eat meals sold in major retail chains. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 20 people in 15 states have been infected , resulting in 19 hospitalizations and 4 deaths . The outbreak has been linked to prepared dishes including Marketside chicken fettuccine alfredo sold at Walmart and Home Chef pasta meals distributed through Kroger.

This outbreak highlights two troubling realities. First, Listeria remains one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens in circulation, capable of causing severe illness or death in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women. Second, despite decades of regulatory improvement

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