Don’t eat that: Meals sold at Walmart, Kroger linked to 3 deaths and 17 illnesses
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If you’re like many others at The GrayVine, you’ve probably come to appreciate the convenience of ready-to-eat meals—especially when you’re not in the mood to cook or just want a quick, tasty dinner.
But what if that easy meal from your local Kroger or Walmart could put your health, or even your life, at risk?
Let’s break down what’s happening, what you need to watch for, and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
What’s Behind the Recall?
The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a nationwide recall for certain ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm, a company with facilities in California, Georgia, and Indiana.
These meals, sold under popular brands at Kroger and Walmart, have been linked to a listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has already caused 17 illnesses, 16 hospitalizations, three deaths, and the tragic loss of an unborn child.
Which Meals Are Affected?
If you’ve picked up any of the following products recently, it’s time to check your fridge and freezer:
How Widespread Is the Outbreak?
As of June 18, 2025, the outbreak has affected people in 13 states, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases. Here’s the breakdown:
- Texas (3 cases)
- Michigan (2 cases)
- Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia (1 case per state)
The most recent illness was reported on May 10, 2025, but listeria can take up to two months to cause symptoms, so more cases may still emerge.
What Is Listeria, and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While anyone can get sick, it’s especially dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
In fact, listeria is notorious for causing miscarriages, stillbirths, and life-threatening infections in newborns.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
If you or someone you know experiences flu-like symptoms within two months of eating a recalled product, especially if you’re in a higher-risk group, seek medical attention right away.
What Should You Do If You Have These Meals?
The USDA’s advice is clear: If you have any of the recalled meals, even if they’re in your freezer, throw them out immediately.
Don’t take any chances—listeria can survive freezing and reheating.
If you’re concerned about a possible illness, contact your healthcare provider. For questions about the recall, you can reach FreshRealm’s customer service at 888-244-1562, or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Have you ever experienced a food recall or foodborne illness? How do you stay informed about food safety? Do you have tips for quick, safe meals at home? We’d love to hear your stories and advice—share your thoughts in the comments below!
But what if that easy meal from your local Kroger or Walmart could put your health, or even your life, at risk?
Let’s break down what’s happening, what you need to watch for, and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
What’s Behind the Recall?
The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a nationwide recall for certain ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm, a company with facilities in California, Georgia, and Indiana.
These meals, sold under popular brands at Kroger and Walmart, have been linked to a listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has already caused 17 illnesses, 16 hospitalizations, three deaths, and the tragic loss of an unborn child.
Ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger across the US have been recalled after being linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. Image source: Sanket Deorukhkar / Unsplash.
Which Meals Are Affected?
If you’ve picked up any of the following products recently, it’s time to check your fridge and freezer:
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
- 32.8-oz. tray, “tender pasta with creamy alfredo sauce, white meat chicken and shaved parmesan cheese”
- Expiration Date: 6/27/25 or earlier
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
- 12.3-oz. tray, “tender pasta with creamy alfredo sauce, white meat chicken, broccoli and shaved parmesan cheese”
- Expiration Date: 6/26/25 or earlier
- Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- 12.5-oz. tray, “pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and parmesan cheese”
- Expiration Date: 6/19/25 or earlier
How Widespread Is the Outbreak?
As of June 18, 2025, the outbreak has affected people in 13 states, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases. Here’s the breakdown:
- Texas (3 cases)
- Michigan (2 cases)
- Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia (1 case per state)
The most recent illness was reported on May 10, 2025, but listeria can take up to two months to cause symptoms, so more cases may still emerge.
The affected products include certain Marketside and Home Chef branded chicken alfredo meals, with various pack sizes and expiration dates as late as June 2025. Image source: FDA.
What Is Listeria, and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While anyone can get sick, it’s especially dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
In fact, listeria is notorious for causing miscarriages, stillbirths, and life-threatening infections in newborns.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
If you or someone you know experiences flu-like symptoms within two months of eating a recalled product, especially if you’re in a higher-risk group, seek medical attention right away.
What Should You Do If You Have These Meals?
The USDA’s advice is clear: If you have any of the recalled meals, even if they’re in your freezer, throw them out immediately.
Don’t take any chances—listeria can survive freezing and reheating.
If you’re concerned about a possible illness, contact your healthcare provider. For questions about the recall, you can reach FreshRealm’s customer service at 888-244-1562, or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Have you ever experienced a food recall or foodborne illness? How do you stay informed about food safety? Do you have tips for quick, safe meals at home? We’d love to hear your stories and advice—share your thoughts in the comments below!
