At least three people have died due to a listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals distributed to Walmart and Kroger stores. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials are conducting an investigation into an outbreak linked to the meals sold at retail locations nationwide.

The company that made the meals issued a nationwide recall as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they were linked to 17 listeria cases across 13 states.

The outbreak, which includes at least 17 people in 13 states, began last July, officials said. At least 16 people have been hospitalized.