What should have been a quick and easy dinner has turned into a national food safety crisis. A heat-and-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo dish — a staple in many American households — is now at the centre of a deadly listeria outbreak that has claimed three lives and caused the loss of a pregnancy.
The outbreak, which dates back to August 2023, has sickened at least 17 people across 13 U.S. states, according to federal health authorities. The culprit: pre-packaged chicken pasta meals produced by FreshRealm, a high-volume food manufacturer with operations in California, Georgia, and Indiana.
In response, FreshRealm has initiated a wide-reaching product recall affecting three of its popular chicken alfredo items, distributed to major retail chains including Kroger and Walmart. The recall applies to meals produced before June 17 and includes:
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Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo (32.8 oz) — Best-by date: June 27 or earlier
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Marketside Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (12.3 oz) — Best-by date: June 26 or earlier
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Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz) — Best-by date: June 19 or earlier
These meals were shipped nationwide and may still be sitting in fridges or freezers. Health officials are warning consumers: do not eat these meals. If spotted, throw them out or return them to the place of purchase.
The same listeria strain found in infected individuals was also detected in a batch of chicken fettuccine alfredo sampled during a routine inspection in March — though that specific batch, officials noted, was never released for sale.
While listeria outbreaks are not uncommon, this one is particularly alarming due to its severity and long timespan. The bacteria can be especially dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. Early symptoms include fever and muscle aches, but if the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to confusion, loss of balance, and even death.
This incident adds to growing concern over food safety lapses in the ready-meal sector. Just last year, a separate outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats caused 10 deaths and more than 60 illnesses. In response, federal agencies announced plans to overhaul food inspection protocols.
For FreshRealm, this outbreak marks a significant crisis. For consumers, it’s a stark reminder that even the convenience of a ready-to-eat dinner can come with hidden risks.
The CDC has not yet revealed which states reported the deaths or the pregnancy loss, but more details are expected in the coming days. Until then, Americans are being urged to check their refrigerators — and perhaps think twice before the next microwave meal.