SALT LAKE CITY — A nationwide health alert has been issued following a Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals, which has resulted in at least 20 confirmed infections and four fatalities, including one in Utah.

On Monday, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food raised concerns over certain pasta products available in popular retail chains such as Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Officials warned that the number of reported cases may rise as investigations continue.

The specific items at the center of the outbreak are “Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce” from Walmart and “Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo” sold at Trader Joe’s. Both products have specific best-used-by dates that consumers should review. Additionally, two other products, “Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine” and “Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo,” have also been recalled and are no longer available on store shelves.

Authorities are urging consumers to inspect their kitchens for the affected pasta meals and either discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased. The potential for increasing case numbers has prompted health officials to stress vigilance among the public.

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of a listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, among others. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as listeriosis can lead to severe complications such as miscarriages and stillbirths.

Health experts indicate that symptoms may develop anywhere from one day to nearly two months following exposure to contaminated food. Individuals who experience symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming the affected products are advised to seek medical attention promptly.

For more detailed information regarding the specific products involved and their expiration dates, individuals can consult the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s website. As investigations continue, health authorities are committed to keeping the public informed about safety measures and updates on this serious health issue.