Kroger Recalls Two Varieties of Deli Pasta Salads Due to Possible Listeria Risk

Kroger recall: quick summary

Kroger has voluntarily recalled two deli pasta salads (Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad) due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects multiple Kroger Family of Stores banners across 21 states, including AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, and WV. The affected products were sold both at the deli service counters and in Grab-n-Go packages between August 29 and October 2, 2025. No illnesses have been reported to date, but consumers are urged to take precautionary measures. Kroger is notifying customers directly via email and register receipts while removing affected items from store shelves.

What happened?

Kroger initiated a voluntary recall following notifications from Fresh Creative Foods, the supplier of the pasta ingredients. The recall specifically affects Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad sold between August 29 and October 2, 2025. Fresh Creative Foods identified possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination in pasta ingredients manufactured by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, CA. Affected items were sold in 1,860 Kroger Family of Stores across AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, and WV.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Affected States
Kroger	Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad	Random Weight Deli	217573-10000	Sep 6 – Oct 2, 2025	Listeria	AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV
Kroger	Basil Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad	Random Weight Grab-n-Go	217573-20000	Sep 6 – Oct 2, 2025	Listeria	Same as above
Kroger	Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad	Random Weight Deli	227573-10000	Aug 29 – Oct 2, 2025	Listeria	Same as above
Kroger	Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad	Random Weight Grab-n-Go	227573-10000	Aug 29 – Oct 2, 2025	Listeria	Same as above

What caused the issue?

The recall stems from potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the pasta ingredients supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods. Listeria can cause serious infections, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. No confirmed cases have been reported to date.

Questions you might have

1. What products are affected?
   Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad.
2. When were these products sold?
   Aug 29 – Oct 2, 2025.
3. Where were they sold?
   Kroger Family of Stores across 21 states.
4. Who should be concerned?
   Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
5. What should I do if I purchased the product?
   Do not consume. Return for refund/replacement.
6. Have any illnesses been reported?
   No.
7. How were the affected products identified?
   Supplier recall notification from Fresh Creative Foods.
8. What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?
   Fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
9. Who can I contact for more information?
   Kroger Consumer Hotline: 1-800-KROGERS.
10. Is it safe to consume other Kroger products?
    Yes, unaffected products remain safe.

Here’s what you should do

• Stop consuming the recalled pasta salads immediately.
• Check the product label for UPC codes: 217573-10000, 217573-20000, 227573-10000.
• Return the product to any Kroger Family of Stores location for a full refund or replacement.
• Contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS for further assistance.

Behind the brand

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) operates over 2,700 retail food stores under various banners, serving more than 11 million customers daily. Kroger is committed to food safety, quality, and community impact through initiatives like #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.

Other relevant recalls

• FreshRealm issues public health alert for ready-to-eat meals with spinach over potential Listeria contamination
• Sno Pac Foods recalls Del Mar and Sno Pac frozen spinach over possible Listeria contamination
• Goot Essa recalls Der Mutterschaf Cheese due to Listeria risk
• Albertsons Companies recalls store-made bowtie pasta deli items over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination
• Scott & Jon’s recalls shrimp scampi with linguini bowls over possible Listeria contamination
• Giant Eagle recalls smoked mozzarella pasta salad over Listeria contamination risk

“Food safety is our top priority. We encourage customers to pay attention to recalls and always follow guidance to ensure safe consumption. Supply chain excellence requires vigilance at every step.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

Recalls like this highlight the importance of stringent quality control in the food industry. Preventing contamination protects public health and maintains consumer trust. Companies must implement robust testing, supply chain checks, and immediate recall procedures. Consumers should act quickly to remove recalled products from their homes. Always check labels, follow instructions, and return affected items.

Source86 offers high-quality bulk ingredients, private-label solutions, and comprehensive food safety measures. Contact our team to ensure your supply chain meets the highest standards.

FAQs

Q1: What products are being recalled?
A1: Kroger’s Basil Pesto Bowtie Salad and Smoked Mozzarella Penne Salad sold between August 29 and October 2, 2025.

Q2: Why are these salads being recalled?
A2: They may contain pasta ingredients contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Q3: What should I do if I bought one?
A3: Do not eat it—return it to any Kroger store for a full refund or replacement.