Fact Check: 16 individuals have been hospitalized due to the listeria outbreak.

Fact Check: "16 individuals have been hospitalized due to the listeria outbreak."

What We Know

The claim that "16 individuals have been hospitalized due to the listeria outbreak" is supported by multiple sources. According to the CDC, a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections has been linked to FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo meals. As of June 18, 2025, a total of 17 people from 13 states have been reported sick with the same strain of Listeria. Of these, 16 individuals have indeed been hospitalized, and three deaths have been confirmed from Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. Additionally, there was one pregnancy-associated illness that resulted in a fetal loss (CDC, 2025).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from credible sources, primarily the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is a reputable public health institution known for its rigorous data collection and analysis regarding foodborne illnesses. Their reports indicate that the outbreak is ongoing and that the number of hospitalizations and deaths is likely to be underreported, as some individuals may recover without medical attention or testing (CDC, 2025).

Other news outlets, including NBC News and Food Manufacturing, corroborate the CDC's findings, confirming that 16 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have occurred. These reports also highlight the seriousness of the outbreak, emphasizing the need for public awareness and caution regarding the consumption of the affected products.

The reliability of the sources is high, as they are based on official health alerts and investigations conducted by public health officials. The CDC's data is collected through epidemiological studies and laboratory testing, which adds to the credibility of the information provided.

Conclusion

The claim that "16 individuals have been hospitalized due to the listeria outbreak" is True. The evidence from the CDC and corroborating news sources confirms that 16 hospitalizations have occurred as part of this outbreak, along with three reported deaths. The data is derived from a credible public health investigation, making the claim accurate.

Sources

1. CDC warns of Listeria outbreak linked to recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals
2. Investigation Update: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Meals Outbreak, June 2025
3. Chicken Alfredo meals at Walmart and Kroger recalled
4. Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Chicken Alfredo
5. Three dead, 16 people hospitalized due to Listeria