USDA Issues Health Alert for HelloFresh Meals Due to Listeria Risk

What's Happening?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for two HelloFresh ready-to-eat meals due to potential listeria contamination. The affected meals, produced by FreshRealm, include Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. The FSIS advises consumers to discard or return these products, which were shipped directly to customers. HelloFresh has contacted customers who may have purchased the contaminated meals, emphasizing the importance of safety and quality. The alert follows FreshRealm's report that spinach used in these meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. As of the alert date, no illnesses have been reported.

Why It's Important?

Listeria is a serious foodborne pathogen that poses significant health risks, particularly to older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 1,250 people in the U.S. contract listeriosis annually, with around 172 fatalities. Symptoms can be severe, including fever, muscle aches, and convulsions, and pregnant women face elevated risks such as miscarriages and stillbirths. The recall highlights the importance of stringent food safety measures and the potential impact on consumer trust and public health.

What's Next?

The FSIS remains concerned that potentially contaminated meals may still be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. Consumers are encouraged to contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline for food safety questions. HelloFresh continues to prioritize customer safety and is actively addressing the situation with affected consumers.