A listeria food poisoning outbreak that has killed three people and led to one pregnancy loss is linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat Chicken Fettucine Alfredo products sold at Kroger and Walmart stores. The outbreak has killed at least 17 people in 13 states. At least 16 people have been hospitalized. The deaths were in Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Cases have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. FreshRealm, a large food producer with sites in California, Georgia, and Indiana, is recalling products made before 17 Jun. The recall includes various 32.8-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken meals. Consumers shouldn't eat the products, which may be in their refrigerators or freezers. They should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact FreshRealm's customer service at 888-244-1562.

Officials said they have not identified the specific source of the contamination. Cases have been identified through retail shopper records and interviews with sick people. The number of victims is likely higher than reported and officials are continuing to receive reports of illnesses linked to the product. The CDC is "concerned that contamination is still occurring." This outbreak is the logical result of slashing the budgets of food safety agencies while simultaneously deporting immigrant workers that work the factories and farms. More info: FSIS.gov