HelloFresh Recalls Spinach-Containing Meals Amid Growing Listeria Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a health alert after spinach used in HelloFresh meal kits tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, commonly known as listeria. 

On Monday, Oct. 6, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published the warning after FreshRealm, a California-based company that produces meals for HelloFresh, reported that routine testing found traces of listeria. This bacterium can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations and was found in the spinach used in two products. 

The products named in the announcement were the Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta (establishment number reads Est. 47718 or Est. 2937 with lot codes 49107 or 48840) and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey (establishment number is P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073, or 50698). 

The meals, which were shipped directly to customers, are part of a wider concern about listeria contamination across several ready-to-eat food brands. So far, no illnesses have been linked to the affected HelloFresh kits. Still, the alert comes amid a growing listeria outbreak connected to pre-made pasta dishes sold under different labels. 

That outbreak, traced to Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, Calif., has sickened at least 20 people and resulted in four deaths, according to CBS News. Genetic testing later found the same bacterial strain in spinach sourced for the HelloFresh meals, raising concern that the two incidents may be connected.

Listeria infections, while rare, can be life-threatening for older adults, pregnant people, newborns and those with weakened immune systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, confusion, loss of balance and seizures. 

Consumers who have received the affected HelloFresh meals are urged not to consume the contaminated product and to throw them away immediately.

The USDA also recommends washing and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the food, as listeria can survive and spread even in cold environments.

The investigation remains ongoing as regulators work to determine whether the contaminated spinach is connected to the larger multistate outbreak. For now, officials say the alert is precautionary, though they’re encouraging consumers to stay informed and check their meal kit packaging closely.