Pasta Recall Update as FDA Sets Risk Level

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated information on two recalled pasta products, and set risk levels for after initiating a voluntary recall on them in November.

The FDA recalled Hungryroot Ricotta Stuffed Shells and Mama Mancini's Stuffed Shells with Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese, distributed by Joseph Epstein Food Enterprises, Inc, on November 20. The FDA said the recall was initiated as the pastas "have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes."

Both pastas were given a Class II risk classification, meaning exposure to the pasta "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

The FDA found there were 1,170 cases of the ricotta stuffed shells and 1,170 cases of the stuffed shells with sauce recalled across California, New Jersey, Delaware, Minnesota, Arizona, and Indiana.

Joseph Epstein Food Enterprises, Inc. is owned by Mama Mancini's Holdings Inc., a New Jersey-based Italian food distributor. The recalled pastas are not currently for sale on Mama Mancini's website.

A spokesperson from Mama Mancini's told Newsweek: "Mama Mancini's takes food safety and the safety of its products seriously, which is why the company initiated a voluntary recall of certain stuffed shell and manicotti products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination on November 20, 2024.

"Importantly, no recalled product reached retail consumers. All affected product was quarantined and recalled before it was distributed to end consumers."

Per the FDA, people who ingest food containing Listeria monocytogenes "may develop a disease called listeriosis."

Mild symptoms of listeriosis are a fever, aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, listeriosis can result in death for children, elderly and immune-compromised people. It also poses "serious risks" to pregnant people and their babies.

The FDA has said, "The longer ready-to-eat refrigerated foods contaminated with L. monocytogenes are stored in the refrigerator, the more opportunity this pathogen has to grow."

The full descriptions of the recalled pastas are "Hungryroot Ricotta Stuffed Shells, 6 packs of 14 oz. each, plastic trays," and "Mama Mancini s Stuffed Shells with Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese, 4 packs of 4 lbs. each / 6 packs of 14 oz. each, 4 packs/boxes per case / 6 plastic trays per case."

Previous listeriosis outbreaks in the U.S. have been tied to raw milk consumption. Raw milk, which has been promoted by President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., "can pose a serious health risk," per the FDA.

Other items that have been recalled by the FDA this month include Enoki Mushrooms from Daily Veggies, Gyro Family Kit from Sprouts Farmers Market, Bloody Mary Mix from Borsari, and Granola Bars from MadeGood.

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Update 12/16/24, 3:07 a.m. ET: This story was updated to include comment from Mama Mancini's.

Correction 12/16/24, 11:43 a.m. ET: This story was updated to correct the comment from Mama Mancini's.