A Listeria outbreak linked to prepackaged chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at major retailers has resulted in 17 people sick across 13 states, leading to 16 hospitalizations and three deaths, according to an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC said in the memo posted online that one of those sickened by the bacteria was a pregnant woman who experienced fetal loss.
The outbreak has affected people in Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and 10 other states. Texas reported the most cases with three, followed by Michigan and Louisiana with two each. The other states that reported one case include Nevada, Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.
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The deaths were reported in Texas, Michigan and Illinois.
The official name of Listeria is Listeria monocytogenes. It can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, especially in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Listeria bacteria can survive and grow in cold environments like refrigerators, making them especially dangerous in ready-to-eat and refrigerated foods.
Meanwhile, federal health officials warn that the outbreak may not be limited to those 13 states.
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“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported,” the CDC said. “This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.”
The recalled meals were produced by FreshRealm and sold in the refrigerated sections of Kroger and Walmart stores under the brand names Marketside and Home Chef. The recall, issued June 17, includes only refrigerated chicken fettuccine alfredo meals with best-by dates of June 19, June 26, or June 27, 2025. Frozen meals are not included.
Of the 11 people interviewed so far, seven reported eating pre-cooked meals before falling ill, according to the CDC alert. Four said they had specifically eaten chicken fettuccine alfredo. Illness onset dates range from July 24, 2024, to May 10, 2025.
The Food and Drug Administration said the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes was found in March 2025 during routine sampling of chicken fettuccine alfredo at a FreshRealm facility. The sample was collected by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Officials are concerned that some consumers may still have the meals in their refrigerators.
“Do not eat recalled foods. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them,” the CDC said. “Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled foods. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.”
Symptoms of Listeria can begin as soon as the same day or up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food.
For pregnant women, even a mild infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. Others may experience fever, muscle aches, tiredness, and—if the infection spreads—headache, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
Invasive listeriosis, the severe form of the illness, often requires hospitalization and can be fatal.
Anyone who experiences symptoms after eating the recalled meals should contact a health care provider immediately, the CDC said. CDC officials urge people to contact state and local health departments with any questions or concerns about cases.
For more details, including product photos and updates, visit the CDC’s outbreak page.
