FreshRealm Public Health Alert: Ready-To-Eat Meals With Riced Cauliflower May Contain Listeria

FreshRealm recall: quick summary

The USDA FSIS has issued a public health alert for FreshRealm ready-to-eat meals containing riced cauliflower due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Affected products include meals sold by Blue Apron and Marley Spoon with specific lot codes. No illnesses have been reported, and a formal recall was not requested, but consumers are advised not to eat these products. High-risk groups include older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Questions can be directed to FreshRealm customer service or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline.

What happened?

FreshRealm issued a notification to the USDA FSIS after routine testing revealed that the riced cauliflower used in certain ready-to-eat meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The alert affects meals sold by Blue Apron and Marley Spoon, with specific lot codes and package sizes. While the products are no longer available for purchase and no illnesses have been reported, FSIS warns that some may still be in consumers’ homes.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Issue	Affected states/zones
Blue Apron	Cheesy Chicken Mac with Vegetables	13.05 oz	Listeria monocytogenes	Nationwide
Marley Spoon	BBQ Sauce Beef Meatballs with Cheesy Cauliflower	10.5 oz	Listeria monocytogenes	Nationwide

What caused the issue?

• Type of contamination: Listeria monocytogenes
• Health risks: Can cause listeriosis, a serious infection primarily affecting older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems
• Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Victims confirmed: None reported

Questions you might have

1. What is Listeria monocytogenes?
   A bacterium that can cause listeriosis, particularly dangerous for high-risk groups.
2. Who is at risk?
   Older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
3. Can children get sick?
   Less commonly, but possible.
4. What should I do if I ate the product?
   Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms.
5. Are these products still sold in stores?
   No, the products are no longer available for purchase.
6. Can I freeze the products safely?
   Freezing does not kill Listeria; do not consume.
7. How can I identify the affected meals?
   Check the brand, product name, and lot codes listed in this alert.
8. Can pets be affected?
   Listeria primarily affects humans; pets are generally not at risk.
9. Is cooking the meals safe?
   These are fully cooked meals, but heating does not guarantee safety for Listeria.
10. Where can I report a problem?
    Use the USDA Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System: eCCF

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume affected products.
• Check your refrigerator or freezer for brand, product name, and lot codes.
• Dispose of products safely or return them to the point of purchase.
• Contact FreshRealm customer service at 1-888-244-1562 or [email protected].

Behind the brand

FreshRealm is a U.S.-based company with facilities in Linden, NJ, and Indianapolis, IN, specializing in fully cooked, ready-to-eat meals. Both establishments are FSIS-inspected and operate under the highest food safety standards.

Other relevant recalls

• Sunshine Dairy recalls raw milk over Listeria contamination
• Kirkland Signature recalls Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke over Listeria scare
• Goot Essa recalls Der Mutterschaf Cheese due to Listeria risk
• Sprouts Farmers Market recalls smoked mozzarella pasta salad due to possible Listeria 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 our top priority. Paying attention to recalls and maintaining supply chain excellence ensures consumers can trust the products they bring to their tables.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

Listeria contamination alerts emphasize the need for vigilance in food safety across the industry. Companies must implement robust testing, recall preparedness, and clear communication protocols to protect consumers. Always check for alerts and follow guidance on handling affected products. If you have any remaining meals from this alert, dispose of them immediately. Contact our team for high-quality, safely sourced ingredients and private-label solutions.

Explore Source86’s bulk ingredients, private-label services, and supply chain excellence solutions for safe and reliable food products. Let’s talk!

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