Texas leads the nation in confirmed listeriosis cases linked to an outbreak involving prepackaged chicken Alfredo meals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that as of June 18, Texas had three confirmed cases of listeriosis—more than any other state—in an outbreak that has sickened at least 17 people across 13 states. Louisiana and Michigan each reported two cases, while 10 other states—including Virginia, Nevada, and Florida—each reported one.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the CDC, said the illnesses have been linked to “FreshRealm Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Meals produced prior to June 17, 2025,” and sold nationwide at Kroger and Walmart.
The CDC data is limited only to reported cases. This leaves open the possibility of a degree of underdiagnosis because some infected individuals may not seek medical attention or receive confirmatory testing despite being infected. The FDA statement recommends seeking medical treatment if you suspect you or someone in your care may be infected.
“Do not eat or serve recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals made by certain FreshRealm, Inc. facilities. FDA’s investigation is ongoing,” the agency’s public advisory said.
The affected products were sold under the Marketside and Home Chef brands and include packages marked with establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718.” The meals were distributed in the refrigerated section of grocery stores and were intended for microwave heating.
Of the 17 people known to be infected, 16 were hospitalized, and three have died. The FDA also reported one pregnancy-associated case that resulted in a fetal loss.
The advisory indicates that listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection may lead to headache, stiff neck, confusion, convulsions, and loss of balance. The illness is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
“Consumers who purchased or received recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals manufactured by FreshRealm, Inc., should check their refrigerators and freezers and should not eat or serve these products,” the FDA said.
Although FSIS confirmed the outbreak strain in a March sample from a FreshRealm facility, that lot was not distributed to consumers. Investigators have yet to determine the source of the contamination. FDA and FSIS said they continue to inspect facilities and test ingredients.
The case count map and brand-specific product details have been published on the FDA and CDC websites. Officials said the investigation remains active and updates will be issued as needed.
This latest bout of food contamination comes a little over a week since federal health agencies warned 1.7 million cartons of eggs distributed by August Egg Company could have been contaminated with Salmonella, The Dallas Express reported.