Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Store-Bought Chicken Alfredo Sold at Walmart, Kroger

A deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak has been traced to packaged chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at major retailers, prompting an urgent recall and federal investigation. At least three people have died, and one person lost a pregnancy after consuming the contaminated products, according to a joint report from the CDC and USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Multiple Deaths, Pregnancy Loss Reported as FreshRealm Recalls Packaged Fettuccine Alfredo Meals

The ready-to-eat meals, produced by FreshRealm LLC, were distributed to Walmart and Kroger stores nationwide. The affected products bear the establishment numbers EST. P-50784, P-47770, or P-47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Affected meals were produced before June 17, 2025, and include the following varieties:

• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

• Chicken Penne Alfredo

• Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Federal officials say the recall stems from a routine product sampling conducted in March 2025. Although the sample never reached the shelves, the Listeria strain detected matched the genetic fingerprint of bacteria found in at least 17 confirmed infections across 13 U.S. states, including Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Virginia.

Investigators confirmed that two individuals who became ill had purchased the recalled meals, and two others reported consuming them before falling ill. The Listeria strain identified in these patients was a perfect match to the strain found in the FreshRealm sample.

Who's Most at Risk?

While anyone can get sick from Listeria, the people most in danger are pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. This isn't your average stomach bug; Listeria can cause serious, even life-threatening illness.

If you're pregnant, the stakes are exceptionally high. An infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery, and in some cases, it can be deadly for newborns.

Common symptoms to watch for include:

• A high fever

• Muscle aches or body pain

• Nausea or diarrhea

• In more severe cases, confusion, a stiff neck, or seizures

Symptoms can appear a few days after consuming contaminated food or may take as long as two months to develop. If something feels off, don't wait; call your doctor right away.

Bought One of These Meals? Here's What to Do

If you picked up a ready-to-eat chicken Alfredo dish recently from Walmart or Kroger, stop and check your fridge. Look for packages labeled with USDA establishment numbers P-50784, P-47770, or P-47718 and any meals made before June 17, 2025.

Does it match? Toss it. Please do not eat it.

Here's your next move:

• Throw the meal away even if it looks or smells fine

• Disinfect anything it touched, including fridge shelves, counters, and utensils

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the package

Listeria is sneaky: it can survive and spread in cold environments, such as your refrigerator. A quick cleanup could help prevent serious illness, especially if you or someone in your home falls into a high-risk category.

Nationwide Investigation Underway

The FSIS, CDC, and FDA are continuing to investigate the full scope of the outbreak. While the contaminated sample identified in March was never released to the public, the growing number of genetically linked cases suggests a broader contamination issue.

So far, no criminal charges or manufacturing violations have been announced; however, federal agencies are warning consumers to remain vigilant as the situation evolves.

While recalls like this one are meant to prevent future harm, for at least three families, the warning came too late.

For full recall details and the latest safety alerts, visit the FDA's official website.