Washington, D.C. — A food recall has taken center stage as FreshRealm’s popular chicken fettuccine Alfredo products face scrutiny for potential Listeria contamination. This issue has been linked to a concerning outbreak resulting in multiple illnesses and fatalities across the United States.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that FreshRealm is voluntarily recalling three varieties of its chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals. This action comes in response to the detection of a specific strain of Listeria monocytogenes, which has been tied to three deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 cases of illness reported across 13 states between August 2024 and May 2025.
The contamination was first identified earlier this year during a routine inspection when FSIS sampled the affected products. Further investigation revealed that several individuals who fell ill had either purchased or consumed these meals. This alarming situation highlights the potential risks associated with Listeria, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria, can manifest with serious symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. Those outside high-risk groups can also be affected, though it is less common. The symptoms can escalate to more severe health complications, underscoring the need for public awareness regarding food safety.
FreshRealm is actively working to pinpoint the source of the contamination, and as part of the recall effort, customers are urged to check their freezers for the affected products. The specific items being recalled include Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo in both 12.3-ounce and 32.8-ounce sizes, along with Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in 12.5-ounce packaging. These products were primarily sold at major retailers like Walmart and Kroger.
Consumers who may have these meals should either discard them or return them to the point of purchase to receive a full refund. The recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the potential consequences of contamination. As investigations continue, both the company and regulatory authorities are seeking to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.