A listeria food poisoning outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and one pregnancy loss has been linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo products sold at Kroger and Walmart stores, according to federal health officials. The outbreak, affecting at least 17 people across 13 states, began in July of the previous year, with 16 individuals requiring hospitalization.

FreshRealm, a major food producer with facilities in California, Georgia, and Indiana, is recalling products made before June 17. The recall encompasses various products sold in the refrigerated sections of retail stores, including trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo and Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with specific best-by dates.

The strain of listeria bacteria responsible for the illnesses was discovered in a sample of chicken fettuccine Alfredo during a routine inspection in March, although that particular product was never distributed to stores. The specific source of contamination has not yet been identified. The affected individuals, spanning from July to May, were reported in multiple states, with deaths occurring in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas.

Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products and to dispose of them immediately if present in their refrigerators or freezers. Listeria infections can lead to severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and confusion. The CDC reports about 1,600 listeria infections annually, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. Efforts to prevent such outbreaks are being strengthened following previous incidents, such as the Boar’s Head deli meats outbreak in the prior year.