Two weeks after recalling two lots, Gias Foods, Inc. of New York, NY has expanded its recall to all lot codes of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The frozen pasta was sold nationwide at Walmart stores.

The original September 15 recall covered only lot numbers L6079C and L6080C, with expiration dates of 09/19/2027 and 09/20/2027. The October 1 expansion drops the lot limitation entirely. Any package of the product, regardless of lot or date, is now subject to recall.

The recalled product is frozen, packaged in a 22 oz yellow plastic bag, and carries UPC 194346442706.

The problem was found through routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which showed the finished product may contain the bacteria. The company says it has stopped distribution while it and FDA investigate the source of the contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have the product should not eat it and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions can be directed to the company at sales@giasfoods.com.

It is worth noting what an expansion like this usually means. When a recall moves from two specific lots to every lot ever made, it suggests the problem is not a one-off event on a single production run, but something more persistent, whether in the facility, the equipment, or an ingredient. Two separate state agricultural labs, on opposite coasts, found the problem through retail sampling. That is the system working, but it also raises the question of why the company’s own testing did not catch it first.

Listeria is particularly dangerous because it can grow at refrigeration temperatures, and frozen foods that are not cooked thoroughly before eating can carry the bacteria. Symptoms of invasive listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, and can begin anywhere from a few days to several weeks after exposure. Pregnant women, newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. In pregnant women, infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Anyone who has eaten this product and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible exposure.

Listeria: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Listeria outbreaks. The Listeria lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Listeria and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.

If you or a family member became ill with a Listeria infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Listeria attorneys for a free case evaluation.