FreshRealm Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Meals With Spinach Over Potential Listeria Contamination

FreshRealm public health alert: quick summary

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for select FreshRealm ready-to-eat (RTE) meals containing spinach that may contain Listeria monocytogenes. The alert covers HelloFresh Ready Made Meals: Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey, which HelloFresh shipped directly to consumers and produced under establishment numbers Est. 47718 and Est. 2937. FreshRealm discovered that the spinach used in these meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and notified FSIS. Although no one has reported illnesses, FSIS urges consumers not to eat the affected meals and to dispose of or return them.

What happened?

On October 6, 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert for specific FreshRealm ready-to-eat meals containing spinach that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The alert came after FreshRealm notified FSIS about the contamination detected in the spinach ingredient.

HelloFresh distributed these meals directly to consumers under establishment numbers Est. 47718 (Indianapolis, IN) and Est. 2937 (Lancaster, TX). Although no one has reported adverse reactions, FSIS advises consumers to check their refrigerators or freezers for these products and to avoid eating them.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC / Lot Codes	Issue	Distribution
HelloFresh	Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta	10.1 oz	Lot 49107 (Est. 47718) or Lot 48840 (Est. 2937)	Possible Listeria contamination	Shipped directly to consumers
HelloFresh	Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey	10 oz	Lot 50069, 50073, 50698 (Est. P-47718)	Possible Listeria contamination	Shipped directly to consumers

What caused the issue?

FSIS issued the alert after detecting Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Health risks and symptoms

Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe illness in newborns.

No confirmed cases have been reported so far. However, anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms within two months of eating these products should seek medical attention immediately.

Questions you might have

1. Is this a recall?
    No, it’s a public health alert. FSIS is warning consumers, but no formal recall has been initiated yet.
2. Can I return the product?
    Yes, consumers may return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely.
3. Were these meals sold in stores?
    No, they were shipped directly to HelloFresh customers.
4. What should I do if I already ate it?
    Monitor your health and contact a doctor if you experience symptoms.
5. What states are affected?
    Nationwide, as the meals were distributed directly to homes.
6. Can I freeze it and eat it later?
    No. FSIS urges you to discard the product.
7. Will more affected lots be identified?
    Yes, FSIS expects to update the alert as more information becomes available.
8. How did FreshRealm find out?
    Through internal testing that found Listeria in the spinach ingredient.
9. Are other HelloFresh meals affected?
    Currently, only the listed items are subject to the alert.
10. Who can I contact for more information?
     FreshRealm’s customer service hotline: 1-888-244-1562 or [email protected].

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the product.
• Check the label for lot codes 49107, 48840, 50069, 50073, or 50698.
• Dispose of or return the product to the point of purchase.
• Contact FreshRealm at 1-888-244-1562 or [email protected] for more details.

Behind the brand

FreshRealm, based in Indianapolis, IN, and Lancaster, TX, produces ready-to-eat meals for national brands like HelloFresh. The company specializes in fully cooked, not shelf-stable foods, distributed directly to consumers.

Other relevant recalls

• FreshRealm public health alert: ready-to-eat meals with riced cauliflower may contain Listeria
• Kirkland Signature recalls Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke over Listeria scare
• Goot Essa recalls Der Mutterschaf Cheese due to Listeria risk
• Albertsons Companies recalls store-made bowtie pasta deli items over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination
• Scott & Jon’s recalls shrimp scampi with linguini bowls over possible Listeria contamination
• Giant Eagle recalls smoked mozzarella pasta salad over Listeria contamination risk

“Food safety is a shared responsibility. At Source86, we remain committed to helping brands maintain supply chain excellence and transparency because trust begins with safety.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

This alert underscores the critical importance of strict ingredient testing and cold chain monitoring across the ready-to-eat meal industry. Preventing contamination protects not only consumers but also the credibility of food manufacturers.

Consumers are encouraged to discard any affected meals immediately and stay alert for future FSIS updates.

Looking to ensure safe, reliable supply chains? Talk to our Source86 team today about bulk ingredients, private label services, and food safety programs designed to protect your brand and your customers.

FAQs

1. What agency issued the alert?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

2. Is this alert connected to the FDA?
Yes, because the contaminated ingredient—spinach—is regulated by the FDA.

3. Has FSIS updated the alert?
As of October 7, 2025, updates are pending. Consumers should check back frequently for more information