Some Hello Fresh meals may contain listeria-tainted spinach, USDA warns

Published: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 8:43 am

Hello Fresh Meal Kits Recalled Due to Listeria Concerns

Federal health officials have issued a public health alert regarding certain Hello Fresh meal kits due to potential listeria contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the alert late Monday, warning consumers not to consume specific Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals containing spinach. The meals were produced by FreshRealm, a company based in California.

The recall specifically targets two Hello Fresh meal kit varieties: Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. The pork pepper pasta is identified by establishment numbers Est. 47718 and lot code 49107 or Est. 2937 and lot code 48840. The unstuffed peppers with ground turkey is identified with Est. P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073 or 50698. These meals were shipped directly to consumers.

The alert was triggered after FreshRealm notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service that spinach used in the products tested positive for listeria bacteria. The USDA has not yet received any reports of illnesses related to the consumption of these specific Hello Fresh meals.

This incident follows a previous listeria outbreak linked to FreshRealm products. Last month, the company confirmed that pasta used in linguine dishes sold at Walmart contained the same strain of listeria associated with an outbreak that began in June. That outbreak, initially linked to chicken fettuccine Alfredo, has resulted in at least four deaths and 20 illnesses, with the most recent case reported on September 11th. Genetic testing identified the outbreak strain in pasta supplied by Nate's Fine Foods. Several other companies, including Kroger, Giant Eagle, and Albertson's, have also recalled products made with Nate's Fine Foods pasta due to potential listeria contamination.

Listeria infections can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, with about 260 deaths.

The USDA is revamping protocols to prevent listeria infections after several high-profile outbreaks. Consumers with questions about the Fresh Alert situation can contact FreshRealm's customer service hotline.

BNN's Perspective: While it's concerning to see another food safety issue, the swift action by the USDA and FreshRealm to issue a recall and alert consumers is a positive step. The focus on identifying and containing the source of the contamination is crucial to minimizing the risk to public health. It is important for consumers to remain vigilant and follow the USDA's guidance.

Keywords: Hello Fresh, Listeria, Recall, USDA, Food Safety, FreshRealm, Meal Kits, Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta, Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey, Foodborne Illness, Outbreak, Spinach, Contamination

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