# Nationwide Recall: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Meals Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak
## What You Need to Know About the FreshRealm Recall
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a major food recall affecting popular ready-to-eat meals sold at major retailers including Walmart and Kroger. This urgent recall comes after a listeria outbreak has sickened 17 people across 13 states, with three confirmed deaths linked to the contaminated products.
## Affected Products and Retailers
FreshRealm, the manufacturer behind these meals, is recalling several chicken fettuccine alfredo products that may be contaminated with listeria. The specific products involved in this recall include:
– **Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine** (32.8-ounce tray)
– **Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine** (12.3-ounce tray)
– **Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo** (12.5-ounce tray)
All affected products have expiration dates in June 2024, with the latest being June 27. These meals were distributed nationwide through major grocery chains, making this a widespread food safety concern.
## States Affected by the Outbreak
The CDC has reported cases in the following states:
– Texas (3 cases)
– Michigan (2 cases)
– Florida
– Illinois
– Indiana
– Louisiana
– Minnesota
– Missouri
– North Carolina
– Nevada
– Ohio
– South Carolina
– Virginia
Of the 17 people who became ill, 16 required hospitalization, highlighting the seriousness of this outbreak.
## Understanding Listeria: Risks and Symptoms
Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly dangerous foodborne pathogen that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Key facts about listeria infection:
– **Higher mortality rate:** While less common than salmonella, listeria is far more deadly
– **At-risk groups:** Pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals face the greatest danger
– **Serious symptoms:** May include convulsions, diarrhea, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or death
– **Average annual deaths:** Approximately 260 people in the U.S. die from listeria each year
The CDC notes that symptoms typically appear within 1-4 weeks after eating contaminated food, though they can emerge as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure.
## What Consumers Should Do
If you have any of the recalled products in your home:
1. **Do not eat them** – Throw them away immediately
2. **Clean your refrigerator** – Thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that may have contacted the recalled products
3. **Monitor for symptoms** – Seek medical attention if you experience fever, muscle aches, or other signs of infection
4. **Report illness** – Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect listeria infection
The USDA has emphasized that purchase records from affected individuals helped trace the outbreak to FreshRealm’s production facilities. Additional investigation is ongoing to ensure all contaminated products are removed from circulation.
## Opinion: The Need for Stronger Food Safety Measures
This tragic outbreak highlights ongoing concerns about food safety in ready-to-eat products. While recalls are an important safety net, we need better prevention systems to stop contamination before products reach store shelves. The fact that these meals were sold at major national retailers shows how quickly foodborne illnesses can spread across state lines. Consumers deserve more robust testing protocols and clearer expiration date labeling, especially for refrigerated prepared foods that carry higher risks. Until then, vigilance remains our best defense – always check recall notices and when in doubt, throw it out.
