San Clemente, California — A nationwide recall of ready-to-eat meals from FreshRealm has been initiated after reports of multiple fatalities and illnesses linked to a listeria outbreak. This situation has raised serious health concerns, prompting investigations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) alongside state health officials.
The recall affects several products, including chicken fettuccine alfredo, with health authorities reporting three deaths and 17 illnesses across 13 states as of mid-June. The FSIS emphasized the urgency of this recall, tracing the source of the contaminated products to FreshRealm facilities located in California, Georgia, and Indiana.
Among the items included in the recall are specific tray packages of grilled chicken alfredo. The FSIS has identified such products, including a 32.8-ounce tray labeled “MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE,” which has a best-by date of June 27, 2025, and a 12.5-ounce tray known as “HOME CHEF Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo,” with a best-by date of June 19, 2025, indicating potential risks to consumers.
To mitigate health risks, the FSIS has urged anyone who purchased these items—especially those who may have stored them in freezers—to discard them immediately. The contaminated items are marked with USDA inspection numbers and include the establishment codes P-50784, P-47770, and P-47718.
The investigation into the outbreak revealed that individuals fell ill between August 2024 and May 2025, with a particular strain of listeria found during routine testing of the chicken fettuccine alfredo in March. Although the strain was identified, the FSIS confirmed that the affected batch never reached consumers as it was destroyed prior to distribution.
Symptoms of listeria infection can range from mild to severe, encompassing fever, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress, among others. Health officials stress that immediate medical attention is essential for those experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly individuals in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
The FSIS continues to monitor the situation closely, working collaboratively with health partners to ensure that public health is prioritized. As investigations proceed, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any adverse reactions related to food consumption, especially for products included in this recall.