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A deadly listeria outbreak has triggered a nationwide recall of ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger, health officials confirmed Tuesday.

At least three people have died, one pregnancy was lost, and 17 people across 13 states have fallen ill.

According to AP News, the affected meals were made by FreshRealm, a food manufacturer with facilities in Texas, Georgia, and Indiana.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say the outbreak is connected to meals sold under Walmart's Marketside brand and Kroger's Home Chef brand.

The recalled items include:

32.8-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (best-by date June 27 or earlier)
12.3-ounce trays of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (best-by date June 26 or earlier)
12.5-ounce trays of Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (best-by date June 19 or earlier)
These meals have establishment numbers Est. P-50784, Est. P-47770, or Est. P-47718, found inside the USDA mark of inspection. FreshRealm says no other products are involved.

Listeria Outbreak Sparks CDC Warning as Cases Rise in 13 States

The listeria bacteria were first found during a routine inspection in March. Though that batch was destroyed, illnesses continued to appear.

The CDC warns that the exact source of contamination is still unknown, and new cases may still surface.

"The number of people sick is likely higher than reported," the CDC stated. "We are still getting new information and are concerned that contamination may still be happening."

Illnesses have been reported across several states so far, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and also Virginia. The deaths occurred in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas.

FSIS is urging consumers not to eat the meals if they are in their fridge or freezer, CNN said.It's best to either toss the items out or take them back to the store for a return.

Listeria poses the greatest risk to pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

It can cause serious symptoms like fever, muscle aches, confusion, and even death. In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Federal officials are now reminding consumers that premade meals should always be cooked to 165°F. The safest way to ensure your food is properly cooked is by using a food thermometer.

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