FreshRealm Recalls Products Over Listeria Contamination Risk

• Recall Date: June 17, 2025
• Announced By: USDA’s FSIS on June 17, 2025
• Company: FreshRealm
• Product: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (various brands & sizes)
• Issue: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
• Details: Sold under Marketside and Home Chef brands at Kroger and Walmart
• Next Steps: Consumers should discard or return affected products

Stick around—let’s dig into the meat (and sauce) of the story.

What Happened?

FreshRealm, a prepared meal manufacturer operating out of facilities in California, Georgia, and Indiana, has recalled its Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo products after FSIS linked them to a multi-state Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. This move follows the tragic confirmation of 17 illnesses, three deaths, and one fetal loss across 13 states.

The recalled ready-to-eat meals were distributed nationwide under Kroger’s Marketside and Home Chef branding, and they were all produced before June 17, 2025.

Product Details

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC/ID	Best By	Issue
Marketside	Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine	32.8 oz	EST. P-50784	06/27/25 or prior	Listeria contamination
Marketside	Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli	12.3 oz	EST. P-47770	06/26/25 or prior	Listeria contamination
Home Chef	Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo	12.5 oz	EST. P-47718	06/19/25 or prior	Listeria contamination

What Caused the Issue?

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)—a microscopic menace that thrives in cold, damp environments and infiltrates ready-to-eat foods—sparked this recall.

FSIS linked FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo products to a multi-state Listeria outbreak after detecting the outbreak strain in a routine sample from one of the company’s facilities. Although the company destroyed that specific batch, investigators later found that other products from FreshRealm’s establishments matched those consumed by sick individuals. So far, the outbreak has caused 17 illnesses, 3 deaths, and 1 fetal loss across 13 states.

Why It’s Dangerous:

Listeria is not your average foodborne bug. It can survive in refrigerated environments and resists many food preservation methods. While healthy individuals might only experience mild symptoms, it’s particularly dangerous for:

• Pregnant individuals (risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infection)
• Elderly adults
• Immunocompromised individuals (cancer patients, transplant recipients, etc.)

Symptoms of Listeriosis:

• Fever and muscle aches
• Headache, stiff neck, confusion
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Loss of balance or convulsions
• Flu-like symptoms (especially in pregnant people)

10 Common Customer Questions You Might Have:

1. Q: How do I know if my chicken alfredo is part of the recall?
   A: Check the label for Marketside or Home Chef branding, specific weights, establishment numbers (like EST. P-47718), and a best-by date of June 27, 2025, or earlier.
   
2. Q: What does Listeria do to you?
   A: It can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, leading to fever, muscle aches, and in severe cases, death or pregnancy complications.
   
3. Q: Can I just cook the product thoroughly to kill Listeria?
   A: Technically, heating food to 165°F can kill Listeria—but since these are ready-to-eat meals, they’re not intended for full re-cooking. It’s safer to toss them.
   
4. Q: I already ate the recalled product—what now?
   A: If you’re in a high-risk group and develop symptoms within two months, contact your doctor immediately and mention possible Listeria exposure.
   
5. Q: How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
   A: Listeria symptoms can take anywhere from a few days to up to 70 days after eating contaminated food.
   
6. Q: I froze the product—does that make it safe?
   A: No. Listeria can survive freezing. If your frozen meal matches the recall details, it still poses a risk and should be discarded.
   
7. Q: Are there reports of people getting sick from this specific product?
   A: Yes—17 illnesses and 3 deaths have been linked to the outbreak strain of Listeria associated with these products.
   
8. Q: How does Listeria get into food like chicken alfredo?
   A: Contamination often happens during post-cooking stages—like packaging—especially if equipment or surfaces aren’t properly sanitized.
   
9. Q: Why is this recall so widespread?
   A: These products were shipped to Kroger and Walmart locations nationwide, expanding the risk to a broad consumer base.
   
10. Q: How can I contact the company about a refund or more info?
    A: Call FreshRealm’s customer support at 888-244-1562 or email [email protected].

Here’s What You Should Do

Here’s your food safety checklist:

• Do not consume any of the listed products.
• Check your fridge/freezer: Look for the brand, size, establishment number, and best-by date.
• Return or dispose of affected items safely.
• Questions? Call FreshRealm’s customer support at 888-244-1562.

Behind the Brand

FreshRealm, headquartered in Indianapolis, is known for supplying ready-to-eat meals to major U.S. retailers. While this is a significant recall for the brand, it’s not the only one this season involving Listeria. In fact, similar recalls occurred, including:

• On June 11, 2025, Hofood99 Inc. recalled its 200g Enoki Mushrooms after discovering Listeria monocytogenes in a sample collected in Michigan.
• On June 10, 2025, Bornstein Seafoods Inc. voluntarily recalled 44,550 pounds of its Ready-to-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat after a routine in-process test detected Listeria monocytogenes in the production environment.
• On May 17, 2025, Bourgeois Smokehouse voluntarily recalled approximately 100 pounds of its ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage after routine FSIS testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 
• On May 10, 2025, FSIS issued a public health alert (not a recall, technically) for ready-to-eat Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps produced by Rachael’s Food Corporation. The issue? Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that definitely doesn’t belong in your lunch.

“One contaminated batch can trigger a massive recall—this underscores the need for traceability, strict safety checks, and clear supplier communication,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall reminds us just how critical ingredient traceability and facility hygiene are in the co-manufacturing and private label space. As the FSIS continues its investigation, food manufacturers should double down on:

• Routine microbial testing
• Supplier audits and verification
• Recall readiness protocols
• End-to-end traceability systems

Have one of these products in your kitchen? Don’t take chances. Toss it or return it.

Want to reduce risk in your own food operation? Let’s talk about high-quality, traceable bulk ingredients to keep your supply chain safe and strong. Let’s connect!