Fact Check: At least 17 people infected across 13 states in listeria outbreak.

Fact Check: "At least 17 people infected across 13 states in listeria outbreak."

What We Know

As of June 18, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a total of 17 people have been infected with Listeria monocytogenes across 13 states due to contaminated chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. The illnesses began between July 24, 2024, and May 10, 2025, with 16 of the infected individuals requiring hospitalization and 3 reported deaths in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas (CDC Investigation Update, CDC Listeria Outbreak). The outbreak is still under investigation, and public health officials are working to identify the source of the contamination and whether additional products may be involved (CDC Investigation Update).

Analysis

The claim that "at least 17 people infected across 13 states in listeria outbreak" is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including the CDC and the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The CDC's reports indicate that the outbreak is linked to specific chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold at major retailers like Walmart and Kroger (CDC Listeria Outbreak, FSIS Recall).

The epidemiological data collected shows that the outbreak strain of Listeria has been confirmed in samples from sick individuals, indicating a common source of infection (CDC Investigation Update). Furthermore, the CDC has emphasized that the true number of cases may be higher than reported, as some individuals may not seek medical care or may not be tested for Listeria, which adds credibility to the reported figures (CDC Investigation Update).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, as they come from government health agencies with expertise in foodborne illnesses. The CDC and FSIS are authoritative bodies that regularly monitor and report on public health issues, making their information reliable for understanding the scope of the outbreak.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "at least 17 people infected across 13 states in listeria outbreak" is accurate based on the latest reports from the CDC and other health officials. The data confirms that 17 individuals have been infected across 13 states, with significant hospitalizations and fatalities linked to the outbreak. The ongoing investigation further supports the validity of these figures.

Fact Check: At least 17 people infected across 13 states in listeria outbreak.