Listeria outbreak linked to FreshRealm Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Meals

United States

Update February 12th, 2026:
Federal health officials have concluded the investigation into the multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to prepared meals. As of February 11, 2026, a total of 28 illnesses caused by the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported across 19 states. Of the 28 people with available information, 27 were hospitalized, and 7 deaths were reported. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in fetal loss. The last reported illness onset was November 16, 2025.

The FDA worked closely with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners throughout the investigation to coordinate response efforts, trace contaminated products, and inform the public. Based on available evidence, the FDA has determined that the outbreak has ended.

Final Case Summary
- Total illnesses: 28
- Hospitalizations: 27
- Deaths: 7
- States with cases: AZ, CA, FL, HI, IL, IN, LA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA
- Product distribution: Nationwide

Source: FDA



Update October 30th, 2025:
Federal health officials have reported 7 new illnesses and 2 additional deaths linked to the ongoing Listeria monocytogenes outbreak associated with prepared meals. To date, 27 illnesses, 25 hospitalizations, and 6 deaths have been reported across 18 states, including one pregnancy-associated case that resulted in fetal loss.

The most recent illness onset was on October 16, 2025.
States with reported cases: CA, FL, HI, IL, IN, LA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, and WA.

The FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC continue to investigate in coordination with state and local partners to determine whether additional foods may be contaminated.

Source: FDA


Update October 10th, 2025:
Sprouts Farmers Market announced a voluntary recall of select lots of smoked mozzarella pasta salad sold from the deli service counter or Grab & Go section at Sprouts stores in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WY. The affected product was distributed between August 31, 2025, and October 7, 2025.

This action expands the list of retailers involved in the ongoing multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to prepared meals. The FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC continue to investigate in collaboration with state and local partners.

Source: FDA


Update October 6th, 2025:
Giant Eagle announced a voluntary recall of Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad sold in the prepared foods departments of Giant Eagle and Market District stores across western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Indiana.

This recall is part of the ongoing multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to prepared meals and expands the list of affected retailers following earlier recalls by Kroger, Albertsons, Trader Joe’s, Demers Food Group, and others.

As of September 25, 2025, the outbreak includes 20 confirmed illnesses across 15 states, with 19 hospitalizations and 4 deaths. One illness occurred in a pregnant patient, resulting in a fetal loss.

The FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC continue coordinating with state and local partners and will issue further updates as the investigation progresses.

Source: FDA


Update October 3rd, 2025:
Kroger Recall Expansion:
Kroger announced a voluntary recall of select bowtie and penne pasta salads sold at the deli service counter and in grab-n-go packages from deli departments. The affected products were available at Kroger and its affiliated stores, including Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Smith’s, across multiple states.

This action expands the ongoing recalls related to the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak connected to pasta products.

The FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC continue to collaborate with state and local partners as the investigation progresses.

Source: FDA


Update October 2nd, 2025:

EXPANDED RECALL & NEW AFFECTED PRODUCT:
Demers Food Group recalled Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected product was distributed to wholesale distributors and operators between September 15, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

PRODUCT: Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls
- UPC: Not provided
- Size: 9.6 oz
- Best By Dates: 3/12/2027, 3/13/2027, 3/17/2027, 3/21/2027

This recall expands the scope of previously mentioned recalls of products sold at retailers nationwide, including Albertsons, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart.

ALBERSTONS' RECALL EXPANSION:
On September 29, 2025, Albertsons expanded its voluntary recall of select store-made deli items containing bowtie pasta, now including additional penne pasta salads sold at Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, and Safeway stores in Alaska.

Affected stores are located in 17 states across the U.S.

CASE COUNT UPDATE:
As of September 25, 2025, a total of 20 illnesses from 15 states have been reported, with 19 hospitalizations and 4 deaths. Among the cases, there was also one illness in a pregnant mother, resulting in a fetal loss.

FDA, USDA, AND CDC COLLABORATION:
The FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC continue working with state and local authorities, conducting investigations into the source of contamination.

Source: FDA


Update September 30th, 2025:
- Case Count Update: 20 confirmed illnesses across 15 states, including 19 hospitalizations and 4 deaths. One illness occurred in a pregnant patient, resulting in fetal loss.
- Confirmed Source: Ingredient testing by FreshRealm confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in linguine pasta used in the Marketside linguine with beef meatballs & marinara sauce meal. Whole-genome sequencing matched the outbreak strain previously found in FreshRealm’s recalled chicken alfredo meals.

Expanded Product Scope:
PRODUCT: Trader Joe’s: Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
- 16-oz., with “best if used by” dates 9/20/25, 9/24/25, and 9/27/25.
PRODUCT: Albertsons: Voluntary recall of select deli pasta salads made with bowtie pasta
- Sold in multiple banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, and others across 17 states.
PRODUCT: Walmart: Public health alert for Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
- Best-if-used-by dates SEP 22 – OCT 01, 2025.

Supplier Recall: On September 25, Nate’s Fine Foods recalled certain lots of pre-cooked pasta (fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle) after linguine tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company does not sell directly to retail but is working with FDA and customers on potential further recalls.

The FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC continue to work with state and local partners. More recalls or updates may follow as the investigation progresses.

Source: FDA


Update September 26th, 2025:
The outbreak investigation has been updated with the following key developments:

- Case Count Update: There are now 20 confirmed cases of Listeria infection across 15 states. 19 people have been hospitalized and 4 deaths have been reported. One case involved a pregnant patient, resulting in fetal loss.
- Ingredient Testing: FreshRealm tested the linguine pasta used in the meatball meal, and results confirmed L. monocytogenes contamination. Additional testing is underway to determine whether it matches the outbreak strain.
- Expanded Product Scope: The public health alert now includes Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce with “best if used by” dates ranging from SEP 22 – OCT 01, 2025.

Source: FDA


June 18th, 2025:
FreshRealm, Inc. has recalled its chicken fettuccine alfredo meals due to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, affecting 17 people across 13 states, with 16 hospitalizations and 3 deaths reported. The products, sold at Walmart and Kroger under the Marketside and Home Chef brands, were produced before June 17, 2025, and distributed nationwide in the United States.

The outbreak has been linked to FreshRealm’s manufacturing facilities in San Clemente, California; Montezuma, Georgia; and Indianapolis, Indiana. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the source of contamination.

Product Details:
- Brand: Marketside
- Product: Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
- Size: 32.8 oz.
- Item Number: EST. P-50784 / EST. P-47770 / EST. P-47718
- Use By Dates: 06/27/2025 or prior

- Brand: Marketside
- Product: Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine and Broccoli
- Size: 12.3 oz.
- Item Number: EST. P-50784 / EST. P-47770 / EST. P-47718
- Use By Dates: 06/26/2025 or prior

- Brand: Home Chef
- Product: Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Size: 12.5 oz.
- Item Number: EST. P-50784 / EST. P-47770 / EST. P-47718
- Use By Dates: 06/19/2025 or prior

The problem was discovered when FSIS identified the outbreak strain in a routine sample of FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo on March 19, 2025. Although this lot was not distributed, further investigations traced the contaminated products back to FreshRealm

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-meals-june-2025