NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A listeria outbreak linked to heat-and-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo products has resulted in three fatalities and one pregnancy loss, according to federal health authorities. The outbreak has impacted at least 17 individuals across 13 states since it was first identified in August of last year.
The recalled products, produced by FreshRealm, are sold primarily at Kroger and Walmart locations. The company is recalling items manufactured before June 17 to mitigate further health risks. Specific products affected include 32.8-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo, as well as 12.3-ounce trays featuring broccoli, with best-by dates of June 26 or earlier. Additional products include 12.5-ounce trays of Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, which also have a best-by date of June 19 or earlier.
Health officials noted that the strain of listeria associated with the outbreak was identified in sick individuals from August to May. During a routine inspection in March, the same strain was found in a sample of chicken fettuccine alfredo, but that particular product was destroyed before reaching grocery shelves. Authorities are currently working to identify the precise source of the contamination, which remains unknown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is actively investigating the outbreak and plans to provide further details on its findings. As of now, information regarding which states have reported cases, as well as the locations of the fatalities and pregnancy loss, is not publicly available.
Consumers are advised to refrain from consuming the recalled products, which may still be in their homes. Those affected are encouraged to discard or return the items to the place of purchase for a refund.
Listeria infections can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, as well as their newborns. Symptoms can manifest as fever, muscle aches, confusion, and in severe cases, may lead to neurological complications.
Each year, an estimated 1,600 Americans fall ill due to listeria, with approximately 260 fatalities attributed to the infection, according to CDC statistics. In response to previous outbreaks, federal officials have announced plans to enhance food safety protocols to help reduce future listeria-related cases.