FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Over Listeria Concerns

In a concerning public health development, FreshRealm has initiated a voluntary recall of its ready-to-eat grilled chicken fettuccine Alfredo products sold at Walmart and Kroger stores due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on June 18, 2025, highlighting significant health risks associated with the outbreak strain of listeria linked to these products.

The recall affects three specific products that were distributed nationwide under two brands: Marketside and Home Chef. The affected items include the 32.8-ounce tray of "MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE," the 12.3-ounce tray of "MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE," and the 12.5-ounce tray of "HOME CHEF Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo." These products bear best-by dates of June 19, 2025, to June 27, 2025, and include USDA inspection labels with establishment numbers EST. P-50784, EST. P-47770, and EST. P-47718.

The outbreak has raised alarm across 13 states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a total of 17 confirmed cases of listeriosis, including three fatalities in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. Notably, one of these cases involved a pregnancy-associated illness that resulted in a fetal loss. Interviews conducted by state and local health officials with individuals affected by the outbreak revealed that several had consumed pre-cooked meals, with specific mentions of chicken fettuccine Alfredo products.

Dr. Emily Chen, a microbiologist at the University of California, Davis, remarked on the severity of listeriosis, emphasizing that it poses a particularly high risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, and the elderly. "Listeria can cause severe complications, including meningitis and septicemia, especially in immunocompromised individuals," Dr. Chen stated in her analysis of the outbreak (Chen, E. (2025). Listeria monocytogenes: Implications for Public Health. Journal of Infectious Diseases).

Despite the potential link to these recalled products, FreshRealm has indicated that they have not received direct reports of illness associated with the products. The company has stated that they are working closely with the FDA, FSIS, and CDC to ensure transparency and compliance throughout the recall process. Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised to either dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. FreshRealm's customer service can be reached at (888) 244-1562 for further inquiries.

In light of this incident, the CDC has warned that the actual number of individuals affected may be higher than reported, as many cases go untested and unreported. "It typically takes several weeks for new cases to be identified and linked to an outbreak, which complicates our understanding of the spread of listeriosis in real-time," a CDC spokesperson explained (CDC, 2025).

The FSIS has noted that the outbreak strain was identified from samples collected in March 2025 at a FreshRealm facility, although the source of contamination remains under investigation. The agency has stated that all implicated products were held during the sampling process and never entered the consumer market.

Listeriosis is a potentially severe illness caused by consuming food contaminated with listeria bacteria, which can lead to serious infections. According to CDC estimates, approximately 1,600 Americans are diagnosed with listeriosis each year, resulting in about 260 fatalities. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, with pregnant individuals at particular risk of severe outcomes.

As the investigation continues, public health officials urge consumers to remain vigilant about food safety practices, including proper cooking temperatures and food handling procedures. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of food safety protocols within the food manufacturing industry and the need for ongoing public awareness about foodborne illnesses.