Food Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Recalled Chicken Alfredo Product

Federal health officials reported on Tuesday that a Listeria food poisoning outbreak, which has resulted in three fatalities and one pregnancy loss, is connected to a hot chicken fettucine Alfredo product that was recently recalled.

The outbreak has affected at least 17 individuals across 13 states, with officials noting that at least 16 required hospitalization. The situation originated last July.

FreshRealm, a major food manufacturer operating facilities in California, Georgia, and Indiana, has initiated a recall of products produced by June 17. These items were available in the refrigerated sections of retailers.

• A 32.8 oz tray of market side grilled chicken Alfredo featuring fettucine pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce, white chicken, and shaved Parmesan cheese, with best buy dates prior to June 27.
• A 12.3 oz tray of Grilled Chicken Alfredo that includes fettucine pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, white chicken, broccoli, and shaved Parmesan cheese, with best buy dates before June 26.
• A 12.5 oz Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, consisting of pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese, with a best before date of June 19.

The strain of Listeria responsible for the illnesses was identified in a sample of chicken fettucine Alfredo during a routine test conducted in March, according to officials from the U.S. Agriculture Department. The product was destroyed before reaching stores.

Despite ongoing investigations, officials have yet to pinpoint a specific contamination source. Cases were identified through retail records and interviews with those who fell ill.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Listeria strains related to the outbreak were present in individuals who became sick between July 24 and May 10. The reported deaths occurred in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, with additional cases noted in states such as Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, and others.

The actual number of illnesses might be higher than reported, with the possibility of additional cases emerging. Authorities have expressed concern that contamination could still be occurring, as they continue to receive reports of related illnesses.

Consumers are advised to discard any products that might still be in their refrigerators or freezers or return them to the point of purchase.

Listeria infections can pose severe health risks, particularly to the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, balance issues, and cramps.

Each year, approximately 1,600 people are affected by Listeria infections in the U.S., leading to about 260 deaths, as per CDC data. Federal officials indicated in December that they are enhancing measures to prevent Listeria outbreaks following several notable incidents last year, which included one linked to deli meat that caused 10 deaths and over 60 illnesses.