A nationwide recall of some HelloFresh pre-prepared meals has been initiated after spinach used in the products tested positive for the dangerous foodborne bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The incident has prompted emergency federal agency alerts, consumer safety alarms, and questions about ongoing multi-brand recalls linked to spinach contamination.
Source of the recall: Spinach linked to listeria
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued the public health alert on October 6, 2025, following a report of contamination from FreshRealm, the California producer of HelloFresh’s pre-prepared meals and other pre-prepared meals. The suspect spinach was supplied by Sno Pac Foods of Caledonia, Minnesota, and distributed by Del Mar Foods, Watsonville, California. FreshRealm’s internal testing discovered Listeria monocytogenes in lots of quick-frozen spinach, leading to the recall and broader investigation affecting supermarkets and meal services across the country.
Which HelloFresh meals are affected?
The affected meals were shipped nationally to HelloFresh customers between September 6 and October 9, 2025, and are:
- 10.1-ounce containers of “Hello Fresh Ready-Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta” with establishment number “Est. 47718” and lot code 49107 or establishment number “Est. 2937” and lot code 48840.
- 10-ounce containers of “Hello Fresh Ready-Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey” with establishment number “P-47718” and lot codes 50069, 50073, or 50698.
These meals were delivered to consumers’ households in chilled packages. Importantly, HelloFresh indicated that the recall is only for its pre-prepared meals, and not for meal kits that subscribers prepare themselves; meal kits utilize ingredients from different facilities and are not subject to this recall.
Action steps for consumers
Federal officials and HelloFresh strongly urge consumers who have received the recalled meals to discard or return them immediately for a refund. Consumers are also advised to thoroughly wash any containers, utensils, or surfaces that may have been exposed to these meals to prevent secondary contamination.
HelloFresh has directly notified affected customers via email and other alerts, explaining the problem and making it explicitly clear that safety and product integrity are the company’s first priorities. In case of queries or concerns about the recall, HelloFresh advises consumers to call FreshRealm’s customer service hotline at 1-888-244-1562 or by email at [email protected].
Identifying the dangers of listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for the serious foodborne illness listeriosis. Uniquely among foodborne pathogens, Listeria develops and increases in number at refrigeration temperatures, and thus tainted chilled or frozen food is particularly hazardous. Symptoms take anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks after consumption and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal complaints. Invasive infection can lead to neurological symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions.
Certain populations are more vulnerable to listeriosis: pregnant women, their unborn babies, persons aged 65 years and above, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or infection of newborn infants that is fatal. Healthy adults typically experience milder symptoms, but the disease is lethal in vulnerable groups.
Recall associated with wider spinach contamination
The HelloFresh recall is also part of a wider food safety problem in fall 2025, along with Sno Pac Foods and Del Mar Foods spinach. Bulk and packaged frozen spinach in large quantities have been recalled by retail supermarkets nationwide, including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Albertsons. The outbreak has been discovered in some pasta products and has resulted in at least 20 illnesses and four deaths since September.
