Recall of Chicken Alfredo Meals Due to Listeria Contamination Causing Three Deaths

In a recent public health alert, premade chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at major grocery chains Walmart and Kroger have been recalled following a serious listeria outbreak. The outbreak has unfortunately resulted in 17 illnesses across 13 states, including three fatalities and one pregnancy loss. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported that the contaminated products were manufactured by Texas-based company FreshRealm. Notably, the same strain of listeria was detected during routine testing at a FreshRealm facility earlier in March, raising concerns about contamination control.

The affected products include various sizes and brands, such as Walmart's Marketside and Kroger's Home Chef, with specific best-by dates indicating when the contamination may have been present. These include:

• 32.8-ounce trays of Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine and Parmesan cheese (best-by date of June 27 or earlier)
• 12.3-ounce trays of Chicken Alfredo with Fettucine, Broccoli, and Parmesan (best-by date of June 26 or earlier)
• 12.5-ounce trays of Home Chef's Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (best-by date of June 19 or earlier)

The USDA inspection mark on these products may contain the establishment numbers Est. P-50784, Est. P-47770, or Est. P-47718. Consumers are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for these meals and discard or return them, as they pose a severe health risk.

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery, and can cause severe illness in newborns. Elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk.

It is crucial to heat these meals to at least 165°F (74°C) before consumption to eliminate the bacteria. Using a food thermometer is recommended to ensure proper temperature. If symptoms develop after consuming potentially contaminated food, especially within two months, individuals should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about possible listeria exposure.

More information about listeria can be found on the Mayo Clinic's website. For further guidance and updates, consumers are encouraged to stay informed through official health advisories.