In a significant public health alert, some ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at major retailers, including Kroger and Walmart, are being voluntarily recalled. This action comes in response to a nationwide outbreak of listeria, which has been linked to 17 reported illnesses, three fatalities, and one fetal loss.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is currently investigating this outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes. According to the agency, the outbreak has been traced back to products manufactured by FreshRealm, Inc., which are marketed under the Home Chef and Marketside brands at Kroger and Walmart, respectively. The FSIS has expressed concern that contaminated products may still be present in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.
Consumers who have purchased these affected meals are strongly advised not to consume them. The FSIS recommends that these products be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase. FreshRealm has initiated this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to the highest standards of food safety and noted that they have not received any direct reports of illness linked to their products.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as of June 18, individuals in 13 states have reported illnesses after consuming these precooked meals. Out of the 17 cases currently under investigation, 16 individuals required hospitalization, and three deaths have been attributed to listeriosis. Notably, there is one case involving a mother whose illness resulted in a fetal loss. This data highlights the serious health risks associated with listeriosis, which can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
The FSIS has identified specific products subject to the recall. Consumers should be cautious of the following items:
32.8-oz. tray packages of MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE that includes tender pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce, white meat chicken, and shaved Parmesan cheese, with a best-by date of 06/27/25 or earlier. 12.3 oz. tray packages of MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE containing tender pasta, white meat chicken, broccoli, and shaved Parmesan cheese, with a best-by date of 06/26/25 or earlier. 12.5 oz. tray packages of HOME CHEF Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo featuring pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese, with a best-by date of 06/19/25 or earlier.The FSIS warns that consuming food contaminated with listeria can lead to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In some cases, these symptoms may be preceded by gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk of severe complications from listeriosis. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature deliveries, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about food safety recalls and to take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being. If you suspect that you have consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly.
