Fact Check: "16 hospitalizations reported due to listeria from chicken alfredo products."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that a listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo products has resulted in at least 16 hospitalizations. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), FreshRealm is recalling certain chicken fettuccine alfredo products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak has affected 17 individuals across 13 states, with three reported deaths and one fetal loss as of June 17, 2025. The illnesses have been traced back to products sold at major retailers, including Kroger and Walmart, with the outbreak strain identified in a sample collected during a routine inspection in March 2025 (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that "16 hospitalizations reported due to listeria from chicken alfredo products" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The FSIS announcement details the recall and the ongoing investigation into the outbreak, confirming that 17 people have fallen ill, with 16 of those requiring hospitalization (FSIS). The Associated Press corroborates this information, stating that the outbreak has resulted in at least 16 hospitalizations and has been linked to specific chicken alfredo products sold in stores.
Both sources are reliable, as they come from authoritative health and safety organizations and reputable news outlets. The FSIS is a government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products, while the Associated Press is a well-respected news organization known for its journalistic integrity. The information provided is consistent across these sources, which enhances its credibility.
However, it is important to note that while the FSIS and health officials have identified the outbreak and its link to the chicken alfredo products, they have not yet pinpointed the exact source of the contamination within the production process (Boston Globe). This ongoing investigation indicates that further cases may arise as health officials continue to monitor the situation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "16 hospitalizations reported due to listeria from chicken alfredo products" is accurate based on the evidence provided by reliable sources. The FSIS and news reports confirm the number of hospitalizations and the link to the contaminated products, making the claim verifiable and substantiated.
