Lethal Listeria Alert: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo from Kroger and Walmart Under Fire

In a disturbing development, a listeria outbreak linked to certain heat-and-eat chicken fettucine alfredo products has resulted in three deaths and one pregnancy loss. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this connection, revealing that the outbreak has impacted at least 17 individuals across 13 states since its initiation in August.

Federal health officials indicated that the bacteria strain was identified in a sample collected during a routine inspection in March. Although the sample was destroyed before reaching stores, the source of the contamination remains unidentified.

FreshRealm, a major food producer with facilities in California, Georgia, and Indiana, has initiated a recall on products made prior to June 17. Affected items include:

• 32.8-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo, featuring fettucine pasta and creamy alfredo sauce, with a best-by date of June 27 or earlier.
• 12.3-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with broccoli, with best-by dates of June 26 or earlier.
• 12.5-ounce trays of Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettucine Alfredo, with best-by dates of June 19 or earlier.

These chicken fettucine alfredo products were available at Walmart stores nationwide, as well as Kroger stores spanning various states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Kentucky, among others.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for these products and either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Listeria infections pose a significant health risk, especially for older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and their newborns. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and confusion.

The CDC is conducting a thorough investigation of this outbreak and will provide further details as they become available. In the United States, listeria infections affect approximately 1,600 people annually, resulting in around 260 deaths.

For now, individuals should remain vigilant and report any symptoms to healthcare providers promptly.