Fact Check: "At least 17 people across 13 states are affected by the listeria outbreak."
What We Know
As of June 18, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 17 people have been infected with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes linked to contaminated chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. These cases have been identified across 13 states in the U.S. The illnesses began between July 24, 2024, and May 10, 2025, with 16 of the infected individuals requiring hospitalization and three fatalities reported in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas (CDC Investigation Update, CDC Media Alert).
The CDC's investigation indicates that the outbreak may not be limited to the states currently identified, as some individuals may recover without medical care and thus remain unreported (CDC Investigation Update).
Analysis
The claim that "at least 17 people across 13 states are affected by the listeria outbreak" is supported by multiple credible sources. The CDC, a leading public health authority, has confirmed these figures in their official updates. Their reports detail the epidemiological data collected from affected individuals, including the timeline of illnesses and demographic information (CDC Investigation Update, CDC Media Alert).
Additionally, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) corroborates this information, noting that the outbreak includes 17 ill individuals across 13 states (FSIS Recall Announcement). The consistency of these reports from reputable health organizations enhances their reliability.
While some media outlets have reported on the outbreak, including details about the deaths and hospitalization rates, the primary sources of information remain the CDC and FSIS, which are authoritative and less prone to sensationalism. This adds to the credibility of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "at least 17 people across 13 states are affected by the listeria outbreak" is accurate, as confirmed by the CDC and FSIS. The data presented is consistent across multiple reputable sources, and the ongoing investigation suggests that the outbreak may be more widespread than currently reported.
