Deadly listeria outbreak linked to popular Kroger and Walmart chicken fettuccine alfredo products claims three lives and causes one pregnancy loss, as federal authorities scramble to contain the spread.
Key Takeaways
- The listeria outbreak has sickened at least 17 people across 13 states, with 16 requiring hospitalization
- FreshRealm is recalling Marketside and Home Chef branded chicken alfredo products made before June 17
- Deaths have been reported in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas with officials concerned contamination may still be occurring
- Listeria poses especially serious risks to pregnant women, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems
- The CDC reports approximately 1,600 listeria infections and 260 deaths annually in the United States
Deadly Outbreak Prompts Nationwide Recall
A deadly listeria outbreak has been definitively linked to heat-and-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo products sold at major retailers Kroger and Walmart. Federal health officials confirmed that the contamination has resulted in three deaths and one pregnancy loss, triggering an urgent nationwide recall. The outbreak has affected at least 17 people across 13 states since July, with 16 of those cases requiring hospitalization. Deaths have been reported in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, highlighting the serious nature of this foodborne illness that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
“A listeria food poisoning outbreak that has killed three people and led to one pregnancy loss is linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettucine alfredo products sold at Kroger and Walmart,” stated federal health officials.
Specific Products Identified in Investigation
FreshRealm, the manufacturer of the contaminated products, has initiated a recall for items produced before June 17, which were sold at Kroger and Walmart locations nationwide. The recalled products include Marketside branded chicken alfredo trays sold at Walmart and Home Chef branded items available at Kroger stores. These ready-to-eat meals, marketed for their convenience, have become increasingly popular among busy Americans seeking quick meal solutions. Health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately for these products and either discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
Federal investigators have been working diligently to trace the source of contamination through customer shopping records and interviews with affected individuals. The investigation revealed that a listeria strain was actually discovered during a routine inspection in March, but officials believed the contaminated product had been destroyed before reaching store shelves. This latest outbreak indicates that contamination issues persisted or recurred, raising serious questions about quality control measures within the food production facility. The CDC has explicitly stated they are concerned about ongoing contamination risks.
“Officials are concerned that contamination is still occurring,” stated CDC.
Understanding Listeria Risks and Prevention
Listeria monocytogenes infections pose particularly serious health risks to vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. For pregnant women, listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. The bacteria can survive refrigeration temperatures and multiply slowly even under proper refrigeration, making it an especially persistent threat in ready-to-eat foods. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms.
“About 1,600 people get sick each year from listeria infections and about 260 die,” stated CDC.
This outbreak follows several other high-profile listeria cases in recent years, prompting federal officials to update protocols aimed at preventing future outbreaks. The recurring nature of these contaminations raises legitimate concerns about the effectiveness of current food safety regulations and inspection procedures. While the government continues to respond reactively to these outbreaks, many conservative critics question whether more market-based solutions and stronger industry self-regulation might prove more effective than the current federal approach. In the meantime, consumers are advised to thoroughly heat ready-to-eat foods and practice strict kitchen hygiene to minimize their risk of exposure.
17 sick and 3 dead from a foodborne illness. Meanwhile we’ve cut funding, staffing, and protections at FDA, USDA, and CDC. 🤦🏽♂️
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart recalled after illnesses, deaths from listeria | CNN https://t.co/bngzqdqRO5
— Jerome Adams (@JeromeAdamsMD) June 19, 2025
