Fact Check: Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Chicken Alfredo Has Killed Three People
What We Know
A recent outbreak of listeria linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals has resulted in three reported deaths and one fetal loss. The outbreak is associated with products made by FreshRealm, which were sold at major retailers including Walmart and Kroger. As of June 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported that 17 individuals across 13 states have fallen ill due to this outbreak, with the illness traced back to products produced prior to the recall date of June 17, 2025 (FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products Due ..., Chicken Alfredo Recall: 3 Dead in Outbreak Tied to Walmart ...).
The specific products involved include:
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (32.8 oz)
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine and Broccoli (12.3 oz)
- Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz)
These products were found to contain the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), which was also isolated during routine inspections of FreshRealm facilities (FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products Due ...).
Analysis
The claim that a deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo has killed three people is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The FSIS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively investigating the outbreak, confirming the number of illnesses and fatalities (FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products Due ..., Chicken Alfredo Recall: 3 Dead in Outbreak Tied to Walmart ...).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are official public health organizations responsible for food safety in the U.S. The FSIS and CDC have a track record of providing accurate and timely information regarding foodborne illness outbreaks. The information presented in their announcements is based on ongoing investigations and data collected from affected individuals, which adds to its credibility.
The outbreak has been traced back to specific products, and the recall was issued as a precautionary measure. Health officials have urged consumers to dispose of the affected products and to maintain cleanliness in their kitchens to prevent cross-contamination (FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products Due ..., Chicken Alfredo Recall: 3 Dead in Outbreak Tied to Walmart ...).
The seriousness of listeriosis, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the elderly, underscores the importance of these findings. The CDC estimates that about 1,600 people in the U.S. develop listeriosis annually, with approximately 260 fatalities, highlighting the potential severity of such outbreaks (Chicken Alfredo Recall: 3 Dead in Outbreak Tied to Walmart ...).
Conclusion
The claim that a deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo has killed three people is True. The evidence from credible health organizations confirms the outbreak's association with specific chicken fettuccine alfredo products, the number of reported fatalities, and the ongoing investigation into the source of the contamination.
