Listeria Outbreak: CDC Warns of Recalled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo | CDC Newsroom

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm. As of February 12, 2026, 28 people across 19 states have been sickened, with 27 hospitalizations and, tragically, 7 deaths reported. This outbreak underscores the ongoing risks associated with foodborne illnesses and the importance of staying informed about food safety alerts.

Understanding Listeria and the Current Outbreak

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While many people experience mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and tiredness, the infection can be particularly dangerous for certain populations – pregnant women, individuals over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. For these groups, Listeria can lead to invasive listeriosis, where the infection spreads beyond the gut, potentially causing severe complications, including pregnancy loss, premature birth, or even death. The CDC provides detailed information about Listeria and listeriosis on their website.

The current outbreak began with illnesses reported as early as July 24, 2024, and continued through May 10, 2025. Investigations revealed a common source: pre-cooked pasta, specifically fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle (bowtie), supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods, Inc. A sample of linguine pasta tested by FreshRealm confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, prompting an expansion of the recall on September 30, 2025. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also actively investigating the outbreak.

Recalled Products and What to Do

The recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals were sold under the Marketside and Home Chef brand names at Kroger and Walmart stores in refrigerated sections. Importantly, these recalls do *not* include frozen meals. While the recalled products are no longer available for sale, the CDC and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) urge consumers who may have purchased these meals to take immediate action. FSIS provides further details on the recall and affected products.

If you have any of the recalled meals in your refrigerator or freezer, discard them immediately. It’s also crucial to thoroughly clean any surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated pasta to prevent the spread of Listeria. The CDC offers detailed guidance on how to properly clean your refrigerator to eliminate potential contamination.

Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Attention

Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, though they can manifest as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after exposure. Symptoms vary depending on the individual. Pregnant women may experience fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, while others may develop headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to the more common symptoms.

If you or a family member experience these symptoms after potentially consuming the recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo meals, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially for those at higher risk of severe complications.

The Ongoing Public Health Response

The CDC, FDA, and USDA-FSIS are collaborating to investigate the outbreak, trace the source of contamination, and prevent further illnesses. This includes ongoing surveillance of reported Listeria cases, laboratory testing of food samples, and communication with food manufacturers and retailers. The outbreak is now considered closed, as of February 12, 2026, and recalled foods are no longer available for sale. Though, public health agencies continue to monitor for any potential resurgence of the outbreak.

This incident highlights the importance of robust food safety systems and proactive surveillance to protect public health. The investigation into the source of contamination will likely inform future preventative measures and potentially lead to revisions in food handling practices within the industry.

For the latest updates and information on this outbreak, please refer to the CDC’s dedicated webpage on the chicken fettuccine alfredo outbreak and the FDA’s advisory on prepared pasta meals.