An urgent food safety alert has been issued following a deadly multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to certain ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo meals. These meals, manufactured by FreshRealm and sold nationwide under popular brands like Marketside (Walmart) and Home Chef (Kroger), have been recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Health officials are investigating the outbreak, which has caused severe illness, hospitalization, and tragic deaths.
Outbreak Details: Cases, Fatalities, and Timeline
As of June 18, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and federal partners, has confirmed 17 cases of Listeria infection across 13 states.
The outbreak has led to:
16 hospitalizations
3 deaths (reported in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas)
1 pregnancy-associated illness resulting in a fetal loss
Illnesses linked to this outbreak occurred between July 24, 2024, and May 10, 2025. Officials caution that the actual number of people affected is likely higher than currently reported, as Listeria symptoms can have a long onset period, and new cases may still be identified.
Recalled Products: Check Your Fridge
The recalled products are specific FreshRealm-produced chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. A voluntary recall was initiated by FreshRealm on June 17, 2025, covering products manufactured before that date.
These meals were primarily sold at Walmart stores under the Marketside brand and at Kroger stores under the Home Chef brand nationwide.
Consumers should look for these specific items:
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (32.8 oz tray) with a “Best by” date of 06/27/25 or prior.
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine with Broccoli (12.3 oz tray) with a “Best by” date of 06/26/25 or prior.
Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz tray) with a “Best by” date of 06/19/25 or prior.
You can also identify recalled products by the establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718” printed on the packaging. Recalled products should no longer be available for sale in stores.
Understanding Listeria Infection (Listeriosis)
Listeria infection is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. While some individuals may experience mild symptoms, listeriosis can be severe and potentially fatal, particularly for vulnerable populations.
High-Risk Groups: Pregnant women, adults aged 65 or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to severe, invasive illness where the infection spreads beyond the gut.
Symptoms: Symptoms can appear anywhere from the same day to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food, though typically within two weeks. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. In more severe cases, especially in high-risk groups, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women may experience milder flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to serious outcomes for the pregnancy or newborn, including pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening illness in the newborn.
If you are in a high-risk group and experience any of these symptoms after eating chicken fettuccine alfredo, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Listeriosis can often be treated with antibiotics.
What Consumers Should Do
Check Your Refrigerator: Immediately check your refrigerator for any of the recalled FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo meals. Do not consume them.
Discard or Return: Dispose of the recalled product immediately in a sealed bag so no one else can eat it. Alternatively, you can return it to the place of purchase (Walmart or Kroger) for a refund. Authorities are concerned that some potentially contaminated products may still be in consumers’ homes.
Clean Thoroughly: Listeria can easily spread to other foods and surfaces and can survive at refrigerated temperatures. Thoroughly clean and sanitize any refrigerators, containers, or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled meals.
Investigation Status
The outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes was identified in sick individuals and also found in a sample of chicken fettuccine alfredo during a routine USDA inspection in March. Although that specific sample was destroyed and never reached consumers, investigators used shopper records and interviews to link the illnesses to products sold in stores.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state public health officials are collaboratively investigating the source and spread of the outbreak. The precise origin of the contamination within the production process—whether from the facility itself or from an ingredient—is still under investigation by FreshRealm and federal agencies.
