Fact Check: Listeria strain found in chicken fettucine alfredo during routine inspection.

Fact Check: "Listeria strain found in chicken fettucine alfredo during routine inspection."

What We Know

Recent investigations by the CDC and public health officials have confirmed a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to certain chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. The outbreak has resulted in 17 reported cases across 13 states, with 16 hospitalizations and 3 deaths as of June 18, 2025 (CDC).

The investigation revealed that the outbreak strain of Listeria was identified in a routine sample of FreshRealm's chicken fettuccine alfredo collected on March 19, 2025. Although this specific lot was not distributed into the food supply, it raised significant concerns about the potential for contamination in other batches (FDA).

As a precaution, FreshRealm recalled the affected chicken fettuccine alfredo meals on June 17, 2025, advising consumers not to eat these products (USDA).

Analysis

The claim that a Listeria strain was found in chicken fettuccine alfredo during a routine inspection is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The CDC's investigation update clearly states that epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data confirm the contamination of FreshRealm's chicken fettuccine alfredo meals with Listeria monocytogenes (CDC).

The identification of the outbreak strain during routine inspections by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) further corroborates this claim. Reports indicate that the strain was isolated from a sample collected in March 2025, which aligns with the timeline of the outbreak (FDA, NPR).

The sources used in this analysis are from reputable public health organizations and news outlets, which enhances their reliability. The CDC and FDA are authoritative bodies in food safety, and their findings are based on rigorous scientific investigation.

However, it is essential to note that while the outbreak strain was identified, the specific source of contamination within the production process remains under investigation, indicating that further scrutiny is necessary to prevent future occurrences (CDC).

Conclusion

The claim that a Listeria strain was found in chicken fettuccine alfredo during a routine inspection is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that FreshRealm's chicken fettuccine alfredo meals were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, leading to a significant public health response, including a recall of the affected products.

Fact Check: Listeria strain found in chicken fettucine alfredo during routine inspection.