Deadly Listeria Outbreaks Prompts Nationwide Recall

Staff Writer
Jul 13
3 min read

chicken Fettuccini Alfredo Sold at Kroger and Walmart Linked to 17 Illnesses, 3 deaths, and 1 Fetal Loss

A deadly listeria outbreak has been linked to pre-packaged chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart. According to recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies, this outbreak has resulted in 17 confirmed illnesses, three deaths, and one fetal loss.

The contaminated meals were produced by FreshRealm and distributed under two major brand labels: Marketside and Home Chef.

Details of the Outbreak

Recalled Products

Two specific products have been recalled in response to the outbreak:

Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken and Shaved Parmesan Cheese – with best-by dates of June 27, 2025, or earlier
Home Chef "Heat & Eat" Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – with best-by dates of June 19, 2025, or earlier

These products were sold at major retail locations, including Walmart (Marketside) and Kroger (Home Chef).

Manufacturer and Brands Involved

The meals were manufactured by FreshRealm, a company specializing in pre-packaged fresh meal solutions. The affected products were sold under:

Marketside (Walmart's private label)
Home Chef (a Kroger-owned meal kit and ready-to-eat brand)

Public Health Impact

The CDC and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have confirmed 17 reported cases of listeriosis, including three deaths and one pregnancy-related fetal loss. The illnesses have been reported across multiple states.

Who Is at Risk?

While listeriosis can affect anyone, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of severe illness. In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Common symptoms include:

Fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Loss of balance
Convulsions

Symptoms may appear a few days to several weeks after consuming contaminated food.

Recommendations for Consumers

If you have purchased either of the recalled products, it is critical to take the following actions:

Do Not Eat the Product – Avoid consuming the affected items even if they look or smell normal.
Return or Discard – Dispose of the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Clean Surfaces – Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled meals to prevent cross-contamination.
Seek Medical Attention – If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of listeriosis, especially if you fall into a high-risk category, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Investigation Status

As of now, the exact source of the contamination has not been identified. The recalled products are no longer available for purchase, but health officials continue to investigate the outbreak to prevent future incidents.

Foodborne illnesses like listeriosis can have devastating consequences, especially for vulnerable populations. Staying informed about recalls and outbreaks is crucial for protecting yourself and your family. Always check best-by dates, follow proper food handling procedures, and stay alert to updates from trusted public health agencies.