USDA Issues Public Health Alert on HelloFresh Meals for Listeria-Contaminated Spinach

Federal health authorities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), have issued a public health alert and recall for certain HelloFresh ready-made meals due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the spinach used. The affected products include the Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey, shipped directly to consumers, with specific lot codes identified. The contamination was linked to FreshRealm, a California-based supplier also connected to an expanding listeria outbreak involving ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at major retailers like Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Albertson's, resulting in at least 20 illnesses and four deaths. Consumers are advised to discard or return the meals and those at higher risk — including pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals — should seek medical care if symptoms develop. No illnesses have been directly reported from these specific HelloFresh meals yet, but the outbreak strain has been identified in related products from FreshRealm and Nate’s Fine Foods. The USDA expects further affected products may be identified and urges consumers to stay updated on the situation.