California bowtie pasta deli items recalled at Vons, Safeway and Albertsons after supplier test finds Listeria risk
California shoppers should immediately check refrigerators after Vons, Safeway and Albertsons recalled deli-prepared items containing bowtie (farfalle) pasta due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination traced to supplier Nate’s Fine Foods; no illnesses reported so far.
- Precautionary recall: Deli-prepared foods with bowtie pasta sold at California Vons, Safeway and Albertsons are being pulled.
- Supplier link: The bowtie pasta ingredient is traced to Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California.
- No confirmed illnesses: Officials report no illnesses tied to these deli items to date, but vulnerable groups remain at higher risk.
What was recalled
Retailers removed deli-prepared items containing bowtie (farfalle) pasta sold at California locations of Vons, Safeway and Albertsons after testing indicated a potential contamination risk. For details, see The Desert Sun coverage of the recall.
How the recall started
Routine or targeted testing of a bowtie pasta ingredient identified possible Listeria monocytogenes, prompting the supplier and retailers to initiate a precautionary recall of prepared deli foods that contain that ingredient. The supplier named in reporting is Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville. More background is available from Food safety reporting and background.
Retailers moving quickly
Vons, Safeway and Albertsons removed affected deli items from counters after notification. Stores have posted in-store signage and, in some cases, sent direct communications to customers. Shoppers are instructed not to eat the products and to return them for refunds.
About Listeria monocytogenes and health risks
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a potentially serious infection. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea; severe infections can spread to the nervous system. Those most at risk include pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Even without reported illnesses, recalls for possible Listeria are treated seriously by health officials.
Scope and limits of the recall
The notice applies specifically to deli-prepared foods containing bowtie pasta sourced from Nate’s Fine Foods and sold at California locations of the named chains. It does not automatically cover all packaged bowtie pastas in grocery aisles unless those items were manufactured by or include ingredients from the same supplier and are listed in separate notices.
Wider recalls and related illnesses
Separate reports indicate packaged pasta meals from other suppliers were recently tied to illnesses across multiple states, with certain products showing “use by” dates in late September. This broader context underscores how contaminated ingredients can affect diverse products and retailers. See Reporting and compilation of related recalls and illnesses for a compiled update.
What consumers should do now
- Do not eat deli-prepared foods containing bowtie pasta purchased at Vons, Safeway or Albertsons in California.
- Return affected items to the store for a refund or follow store disposal instructions.
- Keep receipts or purchase records and note purchase date/time when possible.
- If you are pregnant, elderly, very young, or immunocompromised and consumed the product, contact your health care provider promptly.
- Watch for fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea and seek medical attention if symptoms develop after eating recalled food.
Investigative questions raised
- How and when did Nate’s Fine Foods detect the possible contamination, and what testing protocols were used?
- Were other products or suppliers using the same ingredient affected, and is trace-back complete?
- What sanitation and prevention steps are being taken at the supplier and retailer deli-prep locations?
- Will state or federal food safety agencies release additional guidance or inspection findings?
Implications for Fresno, California
Economic: Local deli counters may see short-term disruptions for ready-to-eat trays and pasta salads that rely on bowtie pasta, and small suppliers could face costs sourcing alternatives.
Political & social: Public officials and health departments may be asked for greater transparency; families relying on deli-prepared meals could face inconvenience. Clinics and community groups should alert pregnant women and seniors about the risk.
Where to find more information
- The Desert Sun coverage of the recall
- Food safety reporting and background
- Reporting and compilation of related recalls and illnesses
If you believe you or a loved one fell ill after eating a deli-prepared bowtie pasta item from Vons, Safeway or Albertsons, contact your health care provider and local public health authority immediately; report the purchase to store management to assist trace-back efforts.
