Fact Check: 16 people hospitalized due to listeria linked to chicken fettucine alfredo.

Fact Check: "16 people hospitalized due to listeria linked to chicken fettucine alfredo."

What We Know

A recent outbreak of Listeria infections has been linked to certain chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. According to the CDC, as of June 17, 2025, there have been 17 reported cases across 13 states, with 16 individuals hospitalized and three deaths confirmed. The illnesses began between July 24, 2024, and May 10, 2025. The recalled products were sold under the Marketside and Home Chef brand names at Kroger and Walmart stores, specifically in the refrigerated sections, and do not include frozen meals (CDC, FDA).

Analysis

The claim that "16 people were hospitalized due to listeria linked to chicken fettucine alfredo" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The CDC's media alert and outbreak investigation reports confirm that 16 out of 17 affected individuals were hospitalized due to the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes linked to the recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals (CDC, CDC).

The reliability of the CDC as a source is high, given its role as a leading public health agency in the United States. Additionally, reports from other reputable news outlets, such as AP News and NBC News, corroborate the hospitalization figures and provide context regarding the outbreak, including the states affected and the nature of the recalled products.

However, it's important to note that while the CDC and FDA reports provide a clear picture of the outbreak, they also emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and the exact cause of the illnesses is still being determined. This indicates a level of caution in interpreting the data, as the situation could evolve with new findings.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that 16 people were hospitalized due to listeria linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo is accurate based on the latest information from credible health authorities and news reports. The data indicates a significant public health concern, with ongoing investigations into the outbreak.

Sources

1. CDC warns of Listeria outbreak linked to recalled chicken fettuccine ...
2. Listeria Outbreak Linked to Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Meals
3. Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Chicken Fettuccine
4. FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products Due ...
5. Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo fettucine sold at ...
6. Chicken Alfredo meals at Walmart and Kroger recalled after 3 deaths, 16 ...
7. Ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo products voluntarily recalled ...