ILLINOIS — A nationwide recall of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo meals has been issued after a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to the product resulted in three deaths and one pregnancy loss, federal officials confirmed. The recall affects ready-to-eat pasta meals sold under multiple brand labels at major retailers including Walmart and Kroger, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Outbreak Linked to FreshRealm Alfredo Products
At the center of the outbreak is FreshRealm, a California-based company that manufactured and distributed the meals. The FDA reports that the affected products contain cooked diced chicken supplied by Tip Top Poultry, which tested positive for the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes found in patients.
The ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals were sold under various store brand names, including:
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Freshness Guaranteed (Walmart)
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Kroger’s Private Selection and Home Chef brands
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Other labels depending on state and retailer
The recalled meals were sold in at least 13 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and other neighboring areas. The affected meals have a “use by” date between April 2024 and June 2025, though many could still be in consumers’ freezers.
At Least 6 Illnesses Confirmed, More Possible
According to the CDC, at least six people in five states have been infected with the same strain of Listeria — a bacteria known to cause serious, and sometimes fatal, infections, especially in pregnant individuals, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.
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Three people have died
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One pregnant person lost their baby
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Hospitalizations have been reported in all cases
Investigators warn that due to the time it takes for Listeria symptoms to appear (up to 70 days), more cases may emerge.
Illinois Consumers Urged to Check Freezers
Authorities have confirmed that Illinois is among the states affected. Shoppers are urged to check their freezers immediately for any Alfredo meals labeled under the brands listed in the recall. The CDC emphasizes that Listeria can survive freezing temperatures, so even frozen meals pose a threat if consumed.
Consumers who have purchased the affected meals should:
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Dispose of the product immediately
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Sanitize any surfaces or utensils the product touched
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Contact a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or confusion
Retailers Pull Products, FDA Intensifies Probe
Both Walmart and Kroger have pulled the affected items from shelves. FreshRealm issued a formal voluntary recall notice and is cooperating with investigators. The FDA continues its traceback investigation, focusing on the role of the diced chicken supplier, Tip Top Poultry.
In a statement to Hoodline, FreshRealm said it “acted quickly to remove all impacted products from retail shelves” and is working with regulators to “ensure consumer safety and transparency.”
What Is Listeria — And Why It’s So Dangerous
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection primarily affecting:
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Pregnant individuals (risking miscarriage or stillbirth)
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Newborns
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Seniors over 65
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Immunocompromised individuals
Symptoms may include:
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Fever
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Muscle aches
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Confusion
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Loss of balance
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Seizures (in severe cases)
The illness is often foodborne and can be fatal. In this outbreak, the CDC linked all confirmed cases to the exact same strain of Listeria through whole genome sequencing.
Have you or someone you know recently purchased store-brand Chicken Alfredo from Walmart or Kroger? Let us know if you’ve experienced issues — your stories help inform our reporting and the community. Comment below or message us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
