Fact Check: At least 17 people infected across 13 states from contaminated chicken fettucine alfredo.

Fact Check: "At least 17 people infected across 13 states from contaminated chicken fettucine alfredo."

What We Know

Recent reports confirm that a listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo products has resulted in at least 17 infections across 13 states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that FreshRealm is recalling certain chicken fettuccine alfredo products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness (FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products) [source-1]. The outbreak has been associated with three reported deaths and one fetal loss as of June 17, 2025 (Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo) [source-2].

The FSIS has traced the outbreak strain of Listeria to samples collected from FreshRealm establishments, indicating a direct link between the contaminated products and the illnesses reported (Chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart) [source-3]. The illnesses have been reported from August 2024 to May 2025, highlighting the prolonged nature of this outbreak.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that "at least 17 people infected across 13 states from contaminated chicken fettucine alfredo" is robust. Multiple credible sources, including the FSIS and major news outlets, corroborate the details of the outbreak, including the number of infections and the states affected (Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo) [source-2]. The FSIS is a reliable source, as it is a government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply. Their announcements are based on investigations that include epidemiological data and laboratory testing.

Additionally, the information about the deaths and fetal loss associated with the outbreak adds a serious dimension to the claim, emphasizing the health risks posed by listeria infections, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the elderly (Chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger and Walmart) [source-3]. The consistency of reports across various media outlets, including CNN and ABC News, further supports the reliability of the information presented (Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo) [source-2], [source-3].

However, while the information is credible, it is essential to note that the specific states involved and the exact locations of the reported illnesses have not been fully disclosed in all reports, which could lead to some ambiguity regarding the geographical spread of the outbreak.

Conclusion

The claim that "at least 17 people infected across 13 states from contaminated chicken fettucine alfredo" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the number of infections, the states involved, and the serious health implications associated with the outbreak. The FSIS's involvement and the ongoing investigation into the source of contamination further validate the accuracy of this claim.

Fact Check: At least 17 people infected across 13 states from contaminated chicken fettucine alfredo.