Vons, Safeway and Albertsons Pull Bowtie Pasta Deli Items in California Over Listeria Risk
Boise, Idaho (Times Media Service) — California consumers should check refrigerators for recalled bowtie pasta deli items sold at Vons, Safeway and Albertsons after testing found potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in a bowtie pasta ingredient supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California.
- Products: Prepared deli items with bowtie (farfalle) pasta, including Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad and Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad, are included in the recall (see The Desert Sun and Marler Blog).
- Stores impacted: Vons, Safeway and Albertsons deli counters across California have removed affected items and posted notices; similar recalls tied to the same ingredient were reported in Louisiana (KATC).
- Action: Do not eat recalled items — return them for a refund or discard and thoroughly clean surfaces to avoid cross-contamination (FoodSafety.gov, CDC).
What was recalled and why
Retailers in California pulled prepared deli pasta salads and ready meals that used bowtie (farfalle) pasta traced back to Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. Officials reported testing that indicated a potential for Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the bowtie pasta ingredient, prompting stores to remove affected products from deli counters and post public notices (The Desert Sun; Marler Blog).
Which stores and products are involved
Vons, Safeway and Albertsons stores across California have identified specific sell-by and use-by dates for affected deli items and posted recall notices at deli counters and online. Notices list product names such as Ready Meals Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad and Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad among others that include the contaminated bowtie pasta. Some stores have instructed customers to return items for a refund. Similar product removals tied to Nate’s Fine Foods were reported in Louisiana, indicating the supplier’s distribution reached multiple states (KATC; Marler Blog).
Supplier and investigation
The bowtie pasta ingredient was produced by Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, California. Public health officials and food safety investigators are coordinating with the supplier and affected retailers to trace the source of contamination, examine processing and sanitation records, inspect equipment and review distribution logs. Officials have confirmed the recall is active and under investigation (Marler Blog; The Desert Sun).
Health risks and what to watch for
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and confusion. Symptoms commonly appear within two weeks but can take up to 10 weeks in some cases. Pregnant people may face miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness; older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Public health agencies urge anyone who believes they are ill after eating a recalled product to seek medical attention and tell their provider about possible exposure (CDC).
“As of Sept. 29, 2025, no confirmed illnesses linked to these products have been reported,” officials said in notices posted by retailers and public health sources (The Desert Sun).
Consumer steps: safety and refunds
Public health officials recommend the following steps for anyone who purchased deli items with bowtie pasta from Vons, Safeway or Albertsons:
- Do not eat the recalled product. Return it to the store for a refund or dispose of it securely (FoodSafety.gov).
- Clean and disinfect: Wash containers, utensils, refrigerator shelves and other surfaces that may have contacted the product with hot, soapy water or a household disinfectant to prevent cross-contamination (CDC).
- Monitor for symptoms: Watch family members for several weeks and contact a health care provider if illness develops; pregnant people, young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems should be especially cautious.
Retailer and regulatory responses
Vons, Safeway and Albertsons have posted recall notices and removed affected items from shelves and deli counters. Stores are working with the supplier to confirm product codes and dates and to process customer returns or refunds. State and federal food safety agencies may issue further guidance as investigations continue; consumers should check retailer websites and local postings for updates and refer to official recall pages (FoodSafety.gov; The Desert Sun).
Implications for California
Economic impacts include lost deli sales and potential costs to local suppliers like Nate’s Fine Foods for product destruction and lost contracts. Politically, the recall may prompt calls for tighter oversight and faster inspections. Socially, the recall highlights risks to vulnerable populations and the need for targeted public-health outreach. Practically, Californians should check refrigerators, receipts and meal-provider supplies and follow store instructions for returns and cleaning (Marler Blog; The Desert Sun).
Ongoing coverage and where to find official updates
This recall and investigation remain active. For the latest product lists and safety instructions, consumers should check retailer recall pages, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state health department announcements. Additional reporting is available from the Marler Blog and The Desert Sun. For official recall listings and outbreak information, consult FoodSafety.gov and the CDC.
