Deadly Listeria Outbreak
A deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes has been traced to pre-packaged chicken Alfredo fettuccine meals sold at major U.S. retailers Kroger and Walmart, prompting a nationwide recall and a sweeping investigation by federal health authorities.
At Least Three Dead, Dozens Hospitalized
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17 people in 13 states have fallen ill with confirmed listeriosis, with at least 16 requiring hospitalization. Tragically, the outbreak has already claimed the lives of three people, including one fetal loss linked to a pregnant woman who consumed the contaminated product.
Federal officials warn that the number of cases is expected to rise in the coming weeks as more patients are tested and new reports emerge.
“This is a serious public health threat,” said Dr. Emily Cohen, a foodborne illness specialist at the CDC. “Listeria is particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.”
Source of Contamination: Ready-to-Eat Chicken Dishes
The outbreak has been linked to refrigerated chicken Alfredo fettuccine meals manufactured by FreshRealm, a large prepared-meal supplier. The dishes were sold under various brand names, including Marketside and Home Chef, and widely distributed at Kroger and Walmart grocery stores.
Among the recalled items are:
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Marketside Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (32.8 oz)
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Marketside Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (12.3 oz)
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Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz)
The affected meals were produced prior to June 17, 2025, and include packaging labeled with establishment numbers P-50784, P-47770, or P-47718. Consumers can find these codes near the USDA inspection mark on the product label.
All recalled products have a best-by date no later than June 27, 2025.
Recall Issued After Routine Inspection Identified Listeria
The contamination was first discovered during a routine inspection conducted by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in early March, when samples from one of the meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Though that specific batch had not yet shipped, genetic sequencing later connected the strain to several human illnesses across the country.
A formal recall was issued on June 17, 2025, out of what FreshRealm described as “an abundance of caution.”
“We are cooperating fully with the CDC and FDA in their investigation and are working to identify the root cause of the contamination,” FreshRealm said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families affected by this outbreak.”
What Is Listeria and Who Is at Risk?
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that causes listeriosis, a potentially fatal infection. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to headaches, confusion, convulsions, and even death.
Most people who become ill do so within 1 to 4 weeks of eating contaminated food, although the incubation period can be as short as a few days or as long as 70 days.
Those at greatest risk include:
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Pregnant women and their unborn babies
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Adults aged 65 and older
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People with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients or transplant recipients
What Consumers Should Do Now
Federal authorities are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and discard any recalled products immediately. If in doubt, they should not consume any pre-packaged chicken Alfredo meals purchased from Kroger or Walmart in recent weeks.
Consumers who still have the packaging should inspect it for the establishment number and best-by date. Any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the product should be thoroughly sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.
“If you have symptoms consistent with listeriosis and recently consumed any of these meals, seek medical attention right away,” the CDC advised.
Ongoing Investigation and Industry Scrutiny
The CDC, FDA, and USDA have launched a joint investigation to determine how the contamination occurred, whether it was an isolated incident or systemic failure in the food processing chain.
Food safety advocates are also calling for increased oversight of ready-to-eat meals, which have become a booming segment in the grocery industry but carry a heightened risk due to minimal in-home cooking.
“This outbreak is a grim reminder that convenience should never come at the cost of food safety,” said Sarah Mitchell, director of the National Food Integrity Alliance.
Final Thoughts
As the nation mourns the lives lost in the wake of this outbreak, pressure is building on both government regulators and food manufacturers to ensure that deadly bacteria like Listeria are never allowed to enter the food chain. In the meantime, consumers are being asked to remain vigilant, read product labels closely, and prioritize health and safety when choosing pre-packaged meals.
