Premade chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger stores across the US are being recalled after a listeria outbreak that has made 17 people sick, caused three deaths, and led to one pregnancy loss. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the outbreak has spread across 13 states. The recalled meals were made by FreshRealm, a food company based in Texas. In March, the same type of listeria bacteria was found during routine testing at one of their food plants. Officials are still checking if a certain ingredient in the Alfredo meals caused the outbreak.
The recalled meals were sold under two brands:
- Marketside at Walmart
- Home Chef at Kroger
Here are the specific meals being recalled:
- 32.8-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine – Best-by date: June 27 or earlier
- 12.3-ounce trays of Marketside Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli – Best-by date: June 26 or earlier
- 12.5-ounce trays of Home Chef Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – Best-by date: June 19 or earlier
Check the packaging for establishment numbers Est. P-50784, Est. P-47770, or Est. P-47718, which are printed inside the USDA inspection mark.
Other FreshRealm meals are not included in the recall.
Health officials are warning people not to eat these meals if they still have them in their refrigerator or freezer. Instead, throw them away or return them to the store.
What is listeria?
Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Symptoms may include fever, muscle pain, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and even seizures.
Who is most at risk?
Pregnant women are at higher risk. The infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborn babies. Older adults and people with weak immune systems are also more likely to become seriously ill.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. If you think you might be sick and have eaten one of these meals in the last two months, see a doctor right away and mention possible listeria exposure.
Experts say ready-to-eat meals like these should always be heated to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a food thermometer is the best way to make sure your food is hot enough to kill harmful germs.
