Important Alert: USDA Cautions Hello Fresh Customers About Potential Listeria in Spinach Meals

Federal health officials recently issued a warning about certain Hello Fresh meals that may be contaminated with listeria. The alert specifically targets meals containing spinach, which is linked to a growing listeria outbreak connected to quick-cooking pasta dishes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has highlighted two products: Hello Fresh Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. Both meals are shipped directly to consumers and weigh around 10 ounces. The products can be identified by specific establishment numbers and lot codes, which are crucial for anyone checking their meals.

FreshRealm, the company that produces these meals, reported that they found listeria in the quick-frozen spinach used in the dishes. This spinach was supplied by Sno Pac Foods and their partner, Del Mar Foods. Interestingly, the strain of listeria found doesn’t match any known outbreak, and there have been no reported illnesses linked to this alert.

This isn’t the first concern for FreshRealm. Last month, they announced that listeria was also found in pasta sold at Walmart, which was tied to a more severe outbreak. That incident involved chicken fettuccine Alfredo and tragically resulted in four deaths and about 20 illnesses. This strain of listeria was also connected to products from Nate’s Fine Foods, revealing a troubling pattern.

LTR infections can be serious, especially for vulnerable groups like older adults, pregnant women, and newborns. The symptoms range from fever and muscle aches to more severe signs like confusion and convulsions. According to the CDC, around 1,600 people contract listeria each year, with about 260 fatalities.

In light of recent outbreaks, federal officials are revising their protocols to prevent listeria infections. Last year, a notable outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats resulted in significant illness and death, prompting a needed reassessment of safety measures.

For more detailed information on food safety and recalls, you can visit the FDA’s official site.

Stay informed and always check food labels to ensure your safety!

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