Listeria Risk: Hello Fresh Meal Kits Under Scrutiny for Contaminated Spinach
Health Alert Issued for Hello Fresh Meal Kits
Federal health officials have warned against consuming certain Hello Fresh subscription meal kits that may contain spinach contaminated with listeria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert for these meals, produced by FreshRealm, based in San Clemente, California, amidst a widening listeria outbreak linked to heat-and-eat pasta dishes.
Identified Products
- 10.1-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta
- 10-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey
Both items were shipped directly to consumers. The pork pepper pasta is marked with establishment number Est. 47718 and lot code 49107 or Est. 2937 and lot code 48840. The ground turkey dish is marked with Est. P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073, or 50698.
Source of Contamination
The spinach positive for listeria was identified through FreshRealm’s notification to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed cases of adverse reactions from these meals.
Ongoing Outbreak Links
Recent findings also indicate that the pasta sold in linguine dishes at Walmart contained the same strain of listeria, previously associated with a deadly outbreak in June, which resulted in at least four deaths and 20 illnesses.
Wider Industry Impact
Several retailers, including Kroger, Giant Eagle, and Albertsons, have enacted recalls on pasta salads and other products made with ingredients from Nate's Fine Foods, which has also been implicated in the contamination.
Health Risks
Infections from listeria can lead to severe illness, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and confusion.
Stay Informed
For further inquiries regarding this health alert, consumers can contact FreshRealm's customer service hotline at 1-888-244-1562.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.