Electric blankets and Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo sold at Walmart have been recalled with care, addressing safety and health concerns that touch homes and kitchens across the nation. One recall involves nighttime comfort turned risky, the other a gentle warning about food safety.
If you’ve cozied up with a warm blanket or enjoyed a quick meal from your shopping routine, now is the time to act with kindness and caution. Check your items, protect your loved ones, and ensure your home remains a safe, nurturing haven.
Electric Blankets And Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Sold
| Product | Hazard | Next Step | Incident Stats & Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| MaxKare Electric Blankets | Overheating, fire & burn risk | Unplug now; contact Yumo for refund | 34 overheating reports, 2 fires, 3 burns; ~8,560 units sold (cpsc.gov) |
| Marketside/Home Chef Chicken Alfredo | Listeria monocytogenes contamination | Discard or return; clean fridge thoroughly | 17 illnesses, 16 hospitalizations, 3 deaths, 1 fetal loss |
| Sold At | Walmart.com / Walmart & Kroger | Nationwide recall | Covers meals manufactured before June 17, 2025 |
| At-Risk Groups | Elderly, pregnant, immune-compromised | High risk of severe reactions | FDA/USDA/CDC alerts issued |
MaxKare Electric Blankets—Comfort Takes a Dangerous Turn
What is Happening?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled nearly 8,560 MaxKare electric blankets sold on Walmart.com from June 2021 to November 2024. The blanket models—HB18A-6284‑1, 7284‑1, and 8490‑2—were found to overheat, melt, or ignite, sometimes scorching bedding or even starting house fires. (cpsc.gov)
What You Need To Do
- Unplug and stop using it immediately.
- Take a photo of the tag or controller.
- Contact Yumo Electronics or Walmart for a full refund, no receipt needed.
- Await instructions to safely dispose of the blanket once your refund is processed.
Photos of the brown and gray twin/full/queen/king versions are posted on the [CPSC website].
Real Voices from Families
“I felt odd heat while reading,” said a user on a recall notice page, “The cord got hot—it gave me chills.”
That’s why quick action matters—it ain’t just blankets; it’s safety.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo—A Taste Turned Tragic
What’s the Danger?
On June 17, 2025, FreshRealm Inc. issued a heartfelt recall for ready-to-eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo meals sold under Marketside (Walmart) and Home Chef (Kroger) brands, prioritizing the safety of families.
In March, USDA testing uncovered Listeria monocytogenes, linked to a serious outbreak traced since August 2024. With care and urgency, this recall aims to protect loved ones, encouraging everyone to check their kitchens and act thoughtfully to keep health and well-being first.
Products to Avoid
- 32.8-oz Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo – Best by June 27
- 12.3-oz Marketside Alfredo w/ Broccoli – Best by June 26
- 12.5-oz Home Chef Heat & Eat Alfredo – Best by June 19
Look for USDA codes EST. P‑50784, P‑47770, or P‑47718. (the-sun.com, wlwt.com)
Public Health Impact
- 17 confirmed illnesses across 13 states
- 16 hospitalizations, 3 deaths in states like Texas, Illinois, Michigan
- 1 fetal loss due to pregnancy-related complications
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal distress, and severe complications like meningitis or miscarriage.
Recall Steps
- Don’t eat it. Return for refund or throw it out safely.
- Deep-clean your fridge: wipe all surfaces with soapy water.
- Monitor for symptoms for up to 10 weeks. Seek medical help if illness develops.
- Contact health officials if you believe you’ve consumed the meal.
Federal updates and public alerts on this recall are available from [USDA FSIS](allrecipes.com, cdc.gov, fsis.usda.gov) and [CDC].
The Recall Process—Tracing the Cause
How It Started
- Electric blankets: began with user complaints and lab-confirmed overheating.
- Chicken Alfredo: traced through whole-genome sequencing—matching hospital cases back to a facility sample in March.
Trace & Response
Agencies like CPSC, USDA, FDA, CDC collaborated to issue nationwide recall notices, triggering headline alerts across stores, news outlets, and social media.
Staying Safe at Home
Checklist for Consumers
- Unplug recalled blankets now!
- Register your product on official recall websites.
- Use the USDA FoodKeeper App to track food recalls.
- Subscribe to CPSC recall emails and follow retailer alerts.
- Always cook meals to 165°F, rinse produce, and maintain clean kitchen surfaces.
Related Links
Breyers Issues Ice Cream Recall Over Chocolate Truffle Contamination Risk
Drinking Coffee May Help You Live Longer — New Study Reveals the Anti-Aging Link
Careers Keeping Us Safe
| Role | Impact |
|---|---|
| Consumer Safety Specialist | Designs safer home products with built-in safety controls |
| Foodborne Illness Epidemiologist | Investigates outbreaks and advises recall procedures |
| USDA / FDA Inspector | Monitors food plants for contamination risks |
| Quality Assurance Manager | Ensures compliance at retail and production levels |
| Public Health Communications Officer | Issues clear, timely warnings and guidance to vulnerable communities |
These professionals make our homes safer—whether we’re snuggling under blankets or grabbing a frozen meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I return a blanket without proof of purchase?
A: Yes—Walmart and Yumo are refunding all recalled blankets, no receipt needed.
Q: Does heating the Alfredo meal make it safe?
A: No. Cross-contamination risk remains. USDA advises full disposal.
Q: How soon do Listeria symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms can show 1–10 weeks after exposure—fever, chills, headache, GI upset.
Q: What if my child or elder doesn’t feel sick?
A: Still clean surfaces and monitor health—they may have mild or no symptoms, but still could spread.
