Three Americans are dead and one unborn child has been lost after a deadly listeria outbreak traced to popular chicken alfredo fettuccine meals sold at Kroger and Walmart, forcing an urgent nationwide recall of these everyday convenience foods.
Key Takeaways
- The listeria outbreak has killed three people in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, and caused one pregnancy loss across 13 states with at least 17 illnesses and 16 hospitalizations.
- FreshRealm has recalled all chicken alfredo products made before June 17, including Marketside and Home Chef branded items sold at Walmart and Kroger stores nationwide.
- Health officials warn the outbreak may be more widespread, as the source of contamination has not yet been identified despite the bacteria being detected during a March inspection.
- Listeria poses severe risks particularly to older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, with the CDC reporting approximately 1,600 infections and 260 deaths annually.
- Federal authorities are revising food safety protocols following this outbreak, which represents the latest in a series of high-profile listeria cases in American food supply chains.
Deadly Convenience Foods: Popular Grocery Chains Implicated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked a deadly listeria outbreak to pre-packaged chicken alfredo fettuccine meals sold at two of America’s largest retailers. Since July, the contaminated products have caused illness in at least 17 people across 13 states, with the devastating toll of three deaths and one lost pregnancy. The outbreak has led to 16 hospitalizations, showcasing the severe nature of listeria infections and raising serious questions about food safety oversight of these popular ready-to-eat meals that millions of Americans rely on for quick dinners.
“A listeria food poisoning outbreak that has killed three people and led to one pregnancy loss is linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettucine alfredo products sold at Kroger and Walmart,” stated federal health officials.
FreshRealm, the company manufacturing these contaminated products, has issued a recall for all chicken alfredo items produced before June 17. The recall specifically targets Marketside branded products sold at Walmart and Home Chef items available at Kroger locations nationwide. Health authorities identified the specific products through a combination of shopper records and patient interviews, tracing the deadly outbreak through the complex food supply chain. Deaths have been confirmed in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, highlighting the nationwide reach of this contaminated food product.
Warning Signs Missed: Contamination Detected Months Ago
In a troubling development that raises questions about our food safety systems, the CDC revealed that the listeria strain involved in the outbreak was actually detected during a routine inspection back in March. At that time, the contaminated product was reportedly destroyed before reaching store shelves. However, federal health officials now indicate they are concerned about ongoing contamination issues at production facilities that may have allowed the deadly bacteria to continue entering the food supply chain over subsequent months, potentially putting countless Americans at risk.
“Officials are concerned that contamination is still occurring,” stated CDC.
Most alarming is that despite months of investigation, health officials have not yet identified the exact source of contamination within the production process. This uncertainty leaves open the possibility that other contaminated products may still be in circulation or that systematic issues within food processing facilities remain unaddressed. The CDC has warned that the actual number of people affected may be significantly higher than currently reported, as many individuals with mild symptoms may not seek medical attention or undergo testing specifically for listeria infection.
17 sick and 3 dead from a foodborne illness. Meanwhile we’ve cut funding, staffing, and protections at FDA, USDA, and CDC. 🤦🏽‍♂️
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart recalled after illnesses, deaths from listeria | CNN https://t.co/bngzqdqRO5
— Jerome Adams (@JeromeAdamsMD) June 19, 2025
Vulnerable Americans at Greatest Risk
Listeria monocytogenes poses particularly severe health risks to specific groups of Americans. Adults over 65, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women face the highest danger from these infections. For pregnant women, the consequences can be devastating, as listeria can cross the placental barrier and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns. The case of pregnancy loss linked to this outbreak underscores the tragic human cost when food safety systems fail to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
“About 1,600 people get sick each year from listeria infections and about 260 die,” stated CDC.
The CDC reports approximately 1,600 listeria infections and 260 deaths annually in the United States. These statistics highlight the serious nature of listeria contamination in our food supply and the critical importance of robust safety measures throughout food production and distribution chains. Following this outbreak and several other high-profile listeria cases in recent years, federal officials have indicated they are updating protocols to prevent future incidents. However, these measures come too late for the families mourning loved ones lost to this preventable foodborne illness.
Consumer Action Required
Americans who have purchased any Marketside or Home Chef branded chicken alfredo fettuccine products are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately. The recalled items include specific best-by dates that can be found on packaging. Health authorities recommend that consumers either discard these products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Given the severity of listeria infections and the potential for long-term storage of frozen items, vigilance is essential even for products purchased weeks or months ago that may still be in home freezers.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures after consuming these products should seek immediate medical attention. With listeria’s ability to cause serious illness weeks after consumption and the CDC’s warning that more cases may be identified, this outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety across America’s complex and often inadequately regulated food supply chains that put ordinary citizens at risk.
