Deadly listeria outbreak linked to popular Walmart and Kroger pre-packaged chicken alfredo meals has claimed three lives and resulted in 17 illnesses across 13 states, prompting a nationwide recall that exposes the hidden dangers in America’s convenience food industry.
Key Takeaways
- FreshRealm is recalling all chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger produced before June 17, 2025, after a deadly listeria outbreak
- The outbreak has resulted in three deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 illnesses across 13 states
- Affected products can be identified by USDA inspection marks with establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718”
- Listeria infection poses significant risks to older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems
- Consumers should immediately discard these products or return them to the place of purchase
Deadly Outbreak Prompts Nationwide Recall
In a major blow to American food safety, pre-packaged chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at retail giants Walmart and Kroger have been linked to a listeria outbreak with devastating consequences. The meals, manufactured by FreshRealm in facilities across California, Georgia, and Indiana, are being voluntarily recalled after the products were found to potentially contain listeria monocytogenes. This dangerous foodborne pathogen has already claimed three lives and caused 17 reported illnesses across 13 states, including one fetal loss, highlighting severe gaps in food safety protocols at major food manufacturing facilities serving millions of Americans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall, which applies to all chicken alfredo dishes produced before June 17, 2025. Consumers can identify the potentially contaminated products by looking for USDA inspection marks with establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718.” The meals were sold nationwide under the Marketside and Home Chef brands in the refrigerated section of stores, ready for microwaving. This case represents yet another example of how regulatory oversight continues to fall short in protecting American consumers from dangerous food products.
Health Risks and Government Response
Listeria infection, or listeriosis, poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food and include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. For pregnant women, the infection may present with only mild symptoms but can lead to severe complications including pregnancy loss or premature birth. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. The CDC estimates approximately 1,600 Americans contract listeriosis annually, resulting in about 260 deaths that could be significantly reduced with proper food handling protocols.
“FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” stated FSIS
The recall was initiated after the outbreak strain of listeria was identified in samples from sick individuals and matched with a routine sample from a FreshRealm establishment. The CDC, FDA, and FSIS are now collaborating on the investigation, working to identify the specific ingredient responsible for the contamination. However, as is often the case with government oversight, this response comes too late for the families who have already lost loved ones to this preventable foodborne illness outbreak.
Corporate Response and Consumer Guidance
FreshRealm has instructed Walmart and Kroger to remove all affected products from their shelves and inventory. The company claims to be taking action “out of an abundance of caution,” though this standard corporate language does little to address the systemic issues that allowed contaminated products to reach consumers in the first place. While the manufacturer has advised consumers to destroy or return affected products for a refund, they have also attempted to distance themselves from responsibility by stating that “the recalled product has not been established as a cause of any of these cases.”
“FreshRealm has notified Walmart and Kroger to remove this meal from their shelves and inventory. Consumers who have purchased the meal should destroy it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund,” stated FreshRealm
This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with ready-to-eat meals and the importance of stringent food safety measures. The CDC has noted that the true number of affected individuals may be higher than reported, as many people recover without seeking medical attention or getting tested for listeria. Consumers should remain vigilant about food safety recalls and take immediate action if they have purchased the affected products. The continued pattern of food safety failures in America’s food supply chain underscores the need for tougher regulations and more accountability for manufacturers who put profits ahead of consumer safety.
