June 20, 2025
By T. Garcia – Cuero, Texas
On June 17, 2025, FreshRealm issued a nationwide recall of its refrigerated chicken fettuccine alfredo meals due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. The meals were sold under the Marketside and Home Chef brands at major retailers including Kroger and Walmart.
Health officials are urging the public not to consume the recalled meals and to check their refrigerators immediately. Any potentially contaminated containers or surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned, as Listeria can survive in cold environments and spread to other foods.
This recall has now been linked to a serious Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that resulted in three deaths, one fetal loss, and at least 17 reported illnesses across 13 states, including Texas. The illnesses occurred between July 2024 and May 2025, with fatalities confirmed in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to investigate the outbreak.
Listeria poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, seniors over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and fatigue may seem mild but can lead to pregnancy loss or serious complications in newborns. Others may experience headaches, stiff necks, confusion, and convulsions along with flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of listeriosis may surface within two weeks of exposure, though onset can range from the same day to as late as 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food. Consumers are advised to discard any impacted meals and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms occur following possible exposure.
As the investigation continues, health officials stress the importance of checking product labels and staying informed. In moments like this, diligence in the grocery aisle—and in the kitchen—can make a life-saving difference.