Chicken dishes sold at Walmart, Kroger recalled due to possible listeria contamination
FreshRealm, a renowned provider of meals to retailers and food delivery services like Blue Apron and Amazon Fresh, is currently in the midst of a major product recall. The company is recalling pre-made chicken fettuccine alfredo meals that were sold at Kroger and Walmart due to concerns of potential listeria contamination. The Department of Agriculture issued a warning on Wednesday, urging consumers to be cautious.
According to a notice from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), FreshRealm has decided to voluntarily recall all chicken alfredo dishes produced before June 17 as a precautionary measure. The products in question bear the USDA mark of inspection on the label and have establishment numbers “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718” printed on the packaging.
The agency is worried that some of these contaminated products may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. As a result, consumers who have purchased these products are strongly advised not to consume them. The recalled products should either be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
The specific recalled products include tray packages of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine, Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, and more, all with best-by dates of June 25 or earlier.
The potential link to listeria contamination is a cause for concern, as the outbreak strain has already resulted in three deaths and one fetal loss, with 17 reported cases across 13 states. The FSIS is actively investigating the source of contamination and working with public health partners to determine if a specific ingredient in the chicken fettuccine alfredo dishes is the culprit.
Consuming food contaminated with listeria can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, and other symptoms. Vulnerable populations such as older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns are at higher risk. In severe cases, listeriosis can be fatal.
It is essential for individuals in high-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms after consuming contaminated food to seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers about their exposure. The FSIS continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
In conclusion, the recall of FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo meals serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with listeria contamination. Consumers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being.
