An urgent recall is in effect.
A listeria outbreak tied to prepackaged chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger has prompted a nationwide recall. The outbreak has sickened 17 people across 13 states, resulting in three deaths and the loss of one pregnancy. These illnesses occurred between August 2024 and May 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is overseeing the investigation and initiated the recall after detecting the same strain of listeria in a FreshRealm production facility during a March inspection.
The meals were manufactured by FreshRealm, a company based in Texas, and were sold under Walmart’s Marketside brand and Kroger’s Home Chef label. Affected products include different tray sizes with specific best-by dates in June 2025. They can be identified by certain USDA establishment numbers printed on the packaging. FSIS confirmed that the recall is limited to these particular products and does not affect other items made by FreshRealm.
Authorities are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers and immediately dispose of or return any recalled items. The meals should not be consumed due to the risk of listeria contamination, which can cause severe illness. Listeriosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of the infection may include fever, muscle aches, confusion, and loss of balance. In vulnerable individuals, the illness can lead to serious outcomes such as miscarriage or death. Antibiotics are used to treat listeriosis, and anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming the recalled meals should contact a healthcare provider and mention possible exposure to listeria.
FSIS also reminded consumers about food safety practices, including the importance of heating premade meals to at least 165°F. Using a food thermometer ensures that food reaches a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria, including listeria, and reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
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