What Consumers Need to Know About Walmart’s Marketside Chicken Alfredo Recall

In June 2025, FreshRealm, Inc. initiated a nationwide recall of several ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo meals sold under the Marketside brand at Walmart and the Home Chef brand at Kroger. The recall was triggered by potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the affected products were sold in 32.8 oz, 12.3 oz, and 12.5 oz trays and carried establishment numbers P-50784, P-47770, or P-47718. The meals were distributed nationwide, including across Illinois.

At John J. Malm & Associates,we are committed to protecting Illinois families from preventable harm—including foodborne illnesses. When a company places unsafe products on store shelves, the consequences can be devastating. Recent events surrounding the recall of Walmart’s Marketside Chicken Alfredo meal show just how quickly a convenient meal can turn into a serious health hazard. Our experienced Illinois food poisoning attorneys are following the developments closely to ensure victims understand their legal rights and remedies.

Timeline of Events and Recall Details

The problem was first identified during routine environmental testing in March 2025 at FreshRealm’s San Clemente, California facility. While the contaminated lot was reportedly destroyed, a joint investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FSIS, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found a pattern of illnesses that began as far back as July 2024. These illnesses were eventually traced to the contaminated ready-to-eat meals.

On June 17, 2025, the recall was officially announced after the agencies confirmed that 17 people across 13 states had become ill with listeriosis, a severe bacterial infection caused by Listeria. Of those infected, 16 were hospitalized, and three people died. Tragically, one pregnancy also ended in fetal loss—a known and serious risk associated with listeriosis exposure during pregnancy.

What Is Listeria—and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen that can survive in cold environments, including refrigeration. It is especially dangerous in ready-to-eat products because it is not always killed by microwave reheating unless heated to the appropriate internal temperature.

According to the CDC, about 1,600 people are infected with listeriosis in the U.S. each year, and approximately 260 of those infections are fatal. High-risk populations include pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of listeriosis can include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance
• Convulsions

While healthy individuals may recover without serious complications, listeriosis can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups. For pregnant women, even mild symptoms can result in devastating outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.

States Affected by the Outbreak

The 17 confirmed listeriosis cases spanned 13 U.S. states, including:

• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• Nevada
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Virginia

Notably, deaths were reported in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, underscoring the seriousness of this outbreak and its relevance to our local community.

Failure in Food Safety and Quality Control

According to federal investigators, FreshRealm failed to adequately contain the contamination despite discovering the presence of Listeria months earlier. Although the specific ingredient that caused the contamination has not yet been identified, the recurring pattern of illness points to a persistent food safety failure.

This situation illustrates the importance of strong manufacturing protocols, rigorous environmental testing, and transparent recalls. It also highlights a disturbing reality: contamination can continue for months without detection, especially when food is pre-packaged, mass-produced, and shipped across the country.

Corporate Responsibility and Retail Oversight

FreshRealm, Inc. is responsible for manufacturing the recalled meals, but retailers like Walmart and Kroger also play a role in consumer safety. Once the contamination was identified, both companies were expected to remove affected products from store shelves and notify customers.

The USDA and FDA have urged consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled items and to either discard them or return them for a full refund. This includes:

• “Marketside Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo” with best-by dates on or before June 27, 2025
• “Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo” with best-by dates on or before June 19, 2025

Preventing Listeria at Home

While manufacturers and retailers must do their part to ensure food safety, consumers can also take steps to reduce their risk of listeriosis. The CDC recommends:

• Heating ready-to-eat meals to an internal temperature of at least 165°F
• Refrigerating leftovers within 2 hours
• Sanitizing kitchen surfaces and refrigerator shelves regularly
• Checking “best by” and “use by” dates carefully
• Avoiding high-risk foods (such as deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses, and prepackaged cold salads) if you are pregnant or immunocompromised

Even with these precautions, however, no consumer can be expected to detect or prevent contamination that originates at the manufacturing level. That responsibility lies squarely with food producers and retailers.

Legal Rights for Victims of Foodborne Illness

If you or a loved one became seriously ill after consuming a recalled product like Walmart’s Marketside Chicken Alfredo, you may be entitled to compensation. Foodborne illness claims typically fall under product liability law, which allows injured consumers to pursue claims for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages

In Illinois, companies that sell unsafe products can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by contamination. This means you may not have to prove negligence—only that the product was contaminated and caused harm. These cases often require medical records, proof of purchase, and microbiological testing to establish a causal link between the food and the illness.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After a Foodborne Illness

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have helped victims of foodborne illness and product liability secure the justice they deserve. Our legal team understands the science behind these cases, and we work closely with public health investigators and expert witnesses to build strong claims on behalf of our clients.

Our dedicated Illinois food poisoning attorneys are prepared to:

• Review your case and determine whether you have a valid claim
• Collect evidence and medical documentation
• Handle communications with insurance companies and corporate defendants
• Pursue compensation through settlement or litigation

If you or a family member has been affected by this recall—or if you suspect a food product caused a serious illness—contact our office today for a free consultation.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Food Poisoning Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

The Walmart Marketside Chicken Alfredo recall is a sobering reminder that foodborne illness remains a serious public health concern in the U.S. Despite modern manufacturing processes and government oversight, lapses in quality control can have life-altering—or life-ending—consequences.

If you or someone you love became ill after consuming a ready-to-eat meal from Walmart or Kroger, don’t wait. Medical treatment may be essential, and legal action may be the only way to hold food manufacturers accountable. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, or the loss of a loved one.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are proud to advocate for Illinois families impacted by defective and dangerous products. We offer compassionate, personalized legal representation and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (630) 527-4177 or visit www.malmlegal.com to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.