A listeria outbreak connected to certain packaged pasta meals has been linked to three fatalities and one pregnancy loss, prompting widespread concern and a federal investigation.
According to Fox Business, Federal agencies have issued warnings after a spate of illnesses traced to ready-made chicken fettuccine Alfredo products sold at Walmart and Kroger resulted in multiple deaths and a miscarriage.
The affected meals were manufactured by FreshRealm, which operates production lines in California, Georgia, and Indiana. According to health officials, the recalled products were prepared before June 17 and include three different types of refrigerated pasta meals.
The products linked to the outbreak were available in the refrigerated sections of grocery stores and meant to be microwaved before consuming. They do not include any frozen versions of similar meals, officials emphasized.
Included in the recall are 32.8-ounce packages of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine marked with a best-by date of June 27 or earlier. Also recalled are 12.3-ounce trays labeled as Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli and Fettuccine with a best-by date of June 26 or earlier.
Another item affected is the 12.5-ounce Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, which carries a best-by date of June 19 or earlier. All three variations were sold by major grocery chains, Walmart, and Kroger.
From August 2024 through May 2025, a total of 17 people across 13 different states have reported illnesses tied to these contaminated ready-to-eat meals. Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria bacteria, can be severe, especially for at-risk populations.
Symptoms of the illness can vary widely but often include fever, headaches, muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, and in more serious cases, confusion and seizures. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with immune system issues are at the highest risk of serious complications.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a contamination notice on Tuesday, alerting consumers to the potential danger of the products. The agency warned that some packages may still be in household refrigerators or freezers.
"FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers," the notice stated. It urged all consumers who have purchased the meals to discard them or return them to the retailer where they were bought.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also released a statement acknowledging that the source of the contamination has not yet been identified. Currently, both the FDA and FSIS are collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to gather more information and assess the need for more protective measures.
“FDA and FSIS have not yet determined a source of contamination,” the FDA explained in a public notice. “However, both agencies are working closely with each other and the CDC to continue to collect information to determine what additional steps are needed to protect public health.”
This outbreak is the latest in a string of foodborne illness incidents affecting widely distributed prepackaged grocery items. Given the broad distribution range of Walmart and Kroger stores, it is possible that the affected meals reached consumers in many parts of the country.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of checking product labels and expiration dates closely. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased or consumed any of the items listed are advised to consult medical professionals if symptoms arise.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium at the heart of the outbreak, thrives in cold environments, making refrigerated meals particularly susceptible to contamination if not handled properly. Once ingested, the bacteria can remain dormant for weeks before symptoms begin to show.
The food safety investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be issued as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, government agencies continue to coordinate efforts to find and eliminate the contamination source.
As the public awaits further developments, the widespread recall serves as a reminder of the dangers that can come from even seemingly safe, ready-to-eat meals. Food safety experts are urging consumers to stay alert and informed.
