Several deaths and illnesses have been linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold across the country, according to a recall alert from the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Here’s what you need to know about the deadly recall, including how to identify the affected meals.
What’s Wrong With the Meals?
The refrigerated pasta meals may be adulterated with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes, according to the FSIS. That strain is linked to a current outbreak investigation that has killed three people and one fetus. It’s sickened 17 people across 13 states so far. Investigators have not yet determined exactly what is the cause of contamination in the recalled pasta meals, but a number of ill people reported eating the meals.
What Is Listeriosis?
Eating food contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, according to the FSIS. It’s especially dangerous for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and anyone with a weakened immune system. It’s treated with antibiotics.
What Meals are Recalled?
The recalled meals, produced by a company called FreshRealm prior to June 17, are sold under the brand names Marketside and Home Chef. They contain chicken fettuccine alfredo, and are sold ready-to-heat in the refrigerated section, typically near the deli. These are the three recalled products.
- 32.8-oz. tray packages containing “Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo With Fettuccine” with a description of “Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken and Shaved Parmesan Cheese” and a best-by date 06/27/25 or prior
- 12.3 oz. tray packages containing “Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo With Fettuccine” with a description of “Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken, Broccoli and Shaved Parmesan Cheese” and a best-by date 06/26/25 or prior
- 12.5 oz. tray packages containing “Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese” with best-by date 06/19/25 or prior
Each package of recalled pasta will be stamped with the USDA mark of inspection and establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718” printed on the side of the packaging.
Where Were the Recalled Meals Sold?
The recalled chicken alfredo meals were produced in Indianapolis by FreshRealm and distributed to Walmart and Kroger stores nationwide. The Marketside branded packages were sold at Walmart, and the Home Chef branded packages were sold at Kroger stores.
What Should I Do If I Have a Recalled Meal?
If you have any of the recalled chicken alfredo products in your fridge or freezer, do not eat them. They can be thrown away or returned to the store where you purchased them. Anyone with questions about the recall can contact FreshRealm customer service at 888-244-1562.
