Listeria Outbreak Prompts Recall of Chicken Alfredo Meals at Kroger,Walmart
the U.S. department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service urges consumers who purchased ready-to-eat meals under the Home Chef and Marketside brands not to consume them,instructing the public to discard or return the items.
Hand-out/FreshRealm,Inc./U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service
A voluntary recall has been initiated for certain ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart stores, following a multi-state Listeria outbreak. This outbreak has been linked to 17 reported illnesses, including three deaths and one fetal loss.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently investigating the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. The agency has traced the contamination to products manufactured by FreshRealm, Inc., sold under the Home Chef brand at Kroger and the Marketside brand at Walmart.
Did You Know? Listeria is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“FSIS is concerned that some products might potentially be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers,” the agency stated. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
FreshRealm has issued a voluntary recall “out of an abundance of caution,” stating that they have not received any direct reports of illness associated with the recalled chicken Alfredo product. The company affirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety.
The Food and Drug Management (FDA) reports that, as of June 18, 2025, 17 individuals across 13 states have reported illnesses after consuming pre-cooked chicken Alfredo meals. Sixteen of these cases resulted in hospitalization, and three deaths have been attributed to listeriosis. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss, according to the FDA.
The FSIS indicates that the current strain was initially identified in sick individuals between August 2024 and May 2025. The same outbreak strain was subsequently discovered at a FreshRealm facility during routine testing of its chicken fettuccine alfredo. the affected batch of meals was immediately held and destroyed, preventing its distribution.
Pro Tip: Always check the FDA and USDA websites for the latest recall facts to ensure the food products you consume are safe.
while subsequent investigations at the facility have not yet identified the source of the contamination, the FSIS is continuing to investigate whether a specific ingredient in the meals is the source of the outbreak.
Recalled Products
Consumers are advised to check for the following products:
- 32.8-oz. tray packages containing “MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken and Shaved Parmesan Cheese” with a “best by” date of 06/27/25 or prior.
- 12.3 oz. tray packages containing “MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken, Broccoli and Shaved Parmesan Cheese” with a “best by” date of 06/26/25 or prior.
- 12.5 oz. tray packages containing “HOME CHEF Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese” with a “best by” date of 06/19/25 or prior.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
The FSIS warns that consuming food contaminated with Listeria can lead to listeriosis,an infection that causes symptoms such as fever,muscle aches,headache,stiff neck,confusion,loss of balance,and convulsions. Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues may precede these symptoms.listeriosis poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of developing severe or fatal infections.
Listeriosis is typically treated with antibiotics. The Mayo clinic notes that prompt treatment with antibiotics can improve the outcome of the infection.
Listeria Outbreak: Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Illnesses Reported | 17 |
| deaths | 3 |
| fetal Losses | 1 |
| States Affected | 13 |
Have you checked your refrigerator for the recalled chicken alfredo products? What steps do you take to stay informed about food recalls?
Understanding Listeria and Food Safety
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, known as listeriosis. It is indeed commonly found in soil, water, and some animals. Unlike many other bacteria,Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures,making ready-to-eat foods a potential source of infection. proper food handling and storage are crucial in preventing listeriosis.
According to a USDA report,preventing Listeria contamination involves thoroughly cooking raw foods from animal sources,washing raw vegetables before eating,and keeping uncooked meats separate from vegetables and cooked foods.Additionally,it’s important to avoid consuming unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chicken Alfredo recall
- What should I do if I have purchased the recalled chicken Alfredo meal?
- If you have purchased any of the recalled chicken Alfredo meals, do not consume them. Dispose of the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?
- Symptoms of Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Some people may also experience diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Who is most at risk from Listeria infection?
- Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of developing severe illness from Listeria infection.
- How is Listeria infection treated?
- Listeria infection is typically treated with antibiotics. Early treatment can improve the outcome of the infection.
- How can I prevent Listeria infection?
- You can prevent Listeria infection by thoroughly cooking raw foods from animal sources, washing raw vegetables, keeping uncooked meats separate from vegetables and cooked foods, and avoiding unpasteurized milk and milk products.
- Where can I find more information about food recalls?
- You can find more information about food recalls on the websites of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
disclaimer: this article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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