USDA Alerts to Listeria Risks in Hello Fresh Meals Containing Spinach

Federal health officials issued a warning on October 7, 2025, advising consumers to avoid certain Hello Fresh meal kits that may be contaminated with listeria bacteria. The alert concerns prepared meal products that include spinach, which tested positive for listeria, a bacteria that can cause severe illness especially in vulnerable populations. The implicated products, produced by FreshRealm based in San Clemente, California, include 10.1-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and 10-ounce Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. These products were directly shipped to consumers and are identified with specific lot codes and establishment numbers.

The issue was uncovered when FreshRealm notified the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service about the positive tests for listeria in the spinach used in these meals. Previous testing by FreshRealm also linked the same strain of listeria in pasta products sold at Walmart, which led to a broader recall. Several companies, including Kroger, Giant Eagle, and Albertson's, have also recalled pasta salads and related products made with ingredients from Nate's Fine Foods, the supplier linked to the outbreak.

Listeria infection can cause serious health complications, especially in older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. The CDC reports that approximately 1,600 people contract listeria each year in the U.S., resulting in around 260 deaths. Federal agencies continue to focus on improving safety protocols to prevent outbreaks of listeria and protect public health.

Consumers are advised to heed the USDA warning, check product labels and lot codes, and avoid consuming the specified meal kits to reduce health risks. For more details, visit source.