Albertsons deli pasta recall: Bowtie pasta deli items pulled from California stores over Listeria risk
Albertsons, Safeway and Vons in California are voluntarily recalling ready-to-eat deli items containing bowtie (farfalle) pasta after supplier testing flagged possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination; shoppers who bought affected deli salads in September 2025 should check their purchases immediately.
- Who: Albertsons Companies (including Safeway and Vons) are issuing the voluntary recall.
- What: Ready-to-eat deli items containing bowtie pasta supplied by Fresh Creative Foods; pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods (Roseville, CA).
- Where & When: Refrigerated deli cases at California Albertsons, Safeway and Vons; sold during September 2025 (sell-thru dates listed on the recall notice).
- Health risk: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination; no illnesses reported so far — but high-risk groups should take precautions.
What was recalled and why
Albertsons Companies announced a voluntary recall of several ready-to-eat deli items after a supplier flagged a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Affected products include basil pesto pasta salad and other deli pasta dishes containing ingredients such as chicken and spinach. The items were sold in refrigerated deli cases at Albertsons, Safeway and Vons locations across California during September 2025; the company provided specific sell-thru dates and product names on its customer notice. Source: K-LOVE report on the recall.
Supplier chain and scope
The deli items were prepared by Fresh Creative Foods using bowtie (farfalle) pasta produced by Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California. Health officials describe the recall as precautionary, driven by testing and investigations pointing to possible contamination in the pasta supply chain. Federal probes noted refrigerated pasta meals sold at other retailers that used pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods were also scrutinized during the investigation. Source: Marler Blog legal/food-safety analysis and K-LOVE report.
No illnesses reported — but risks remain
At the time of the recall, officials reported no illnesses linked to these deli items. However, public health agencies emphasize that Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures and contaminate surfaces and containers that touch infected food. High-risk groups include pregnant people, adults 65+, people with weakened immune systems, and newborns. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance; for pregnant people, infections can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Symptoms may appear within days or up to 10 weeks after exposure. Source: CDC guidance on Listeria outbreaks and K-LOVE report.
What consumers should do
If you purchased ready-to-eat bowtie pasta salads or other deli items from Albertsons, Safeway or Vons in California during September 2025, check product names and sell-by dates listed on the retailer recall page. If your item is included in the recall:
- Do not eat the recalled food.
- Discard the product or return it to the store for a full refund.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect any utensils, containers, countertops, refrigerators or other surfaces that may have touched the recalled food.
- Monitor for symptoms of listeriosis and seek medical attention if you or someone in a high-risk group becomes ill.
Federal recall resources and official guidance: Foodsafety.gov recall resources and CDC guidance on Listeria.
Investigative details: tracing the contamination
Local and federal investigators are tracing the supply chain to determine where contamination may have occurred. The probe focuses on Nate’s Fine Foods’ bowtie pasta used by Fresh Creative Foods in the deli preparations sold at Albertsons Companies’ stores. Officials are reviewing production records, testing samples and evaluating sanitation practices. Previous federal alerts highlighted refrigerated pasta meals at other retailers that used pasta from the same producer, prompting broader scrutiny. Source: Desert Sun coverage and Marler Blog analysis.
How Listeria spreads and why deli items are risky
Listeria monocytogenes is hardy and can survive at cold temperatures; ready-to-eat deli salads and refrigerated meals are high-risk because they are not cooked before consumption and any contamination during production can remain live in the product. Listeria can spread to other foods or refrigerator surfaces, making careful cleaning essential. For official handling guidance, see the CDC Listeria outbreak page.
Public health response and local implications for San Diego
State and federal agencies, the retailer and suppliers are coordinating to remove potentially contaminated products from store shelves. Albertsons Companies described the recall as precautionary and advised stores to pull affected items from deli cases while offering refunds for returned products. Local implications for San Diego include potential short-term costs for shoppers and businesses, increased sanitation and testing expenses for suppliers and delis, and heightened vigilance by clinics and hospitals for possible Listeria cases among high-risk patients.
Practical household advice for San Diegans: check deli purchases from Albertsons, Safeway or Vons made in September 2025 for sell-by dates and product names listed in the recall notice; do not consume recalled items; clean refrigerator surfaces and utensils that may have contacted the food; and consider avoiding deli-prepared salads if you are in a high-risk group. Source: Foodsafety.gov and CDC guidance.
Regulatory, legal and political angle
The recall may prompt questions from local elected officials and public health leaders about inspection routines, supplier oversight and labeling practices. Officials should communicate measured, practical steps to protect residents while supporting businesses impacted by precautionary recalls. For legal and food-safety commentary, see the Marler Blog analysis.
Additional reporting resources and where to find help
- Albertsons recall reporting and customer information (K-LOVE)
- Local reporting (Desert Sun)
- Legal/food-safety analysis (Marler Blog)
- Related reporting (KATC)
- CDC guidance on Listeria outbreaks
- Federal recall resources (Foodsafety.gov)
“If you have an item included in the recall: do not eat it. Discard it or return it for a refund, clean any surfaces that touched the product, and monitor for symptoms.”
If you bought ready-to-eat bowtie pasta salads or deli items from Albertsons, Vons or Safeway in California in September 2025, check the retailer recall page for product names and dates and follow guidance to dispose of or return affected products.
