Federal health officials issued a warning on October 7, 2025, urging consumers to avoid certain HelloFresh ready-made meals due to possible Listeria contamination in the spinach ingredient. The recall involves products produced by FreshRealm and shipped directly to customers nationwide, with no confirmed illnesses linked to these specific items yet.

Products Under Recall

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service identified two ready-to-eat meals as potentially affected. These meals contain quick-frozen spinach that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine checks by the supplier.

Health experts emphasize the importance of checking labels carefully, as the products bear specific establishment numbers and lot codes. Consumers who received HelloFresh boxes in recent weeks should inspect their refrigerators and freezers right away.

To help identify the items, here is a detailed table of the recalled products:

These meals were distributed through HelloFresh subscriptions across the country. While they may not appear in all areas, the risk applies broadly to anyone who ordered ready-made options.

The Source of the Contamination

The issue traces back to the spinach used in these meals, supplied by Sno Pac Foods in Caledonia, Minnesota, and processed through Del Mar Foods in Watsonville, California. FreshRealm, the California-based producer, notified regulators after environmental samples confirmed the presence of the bacteria.

This incident fits into a larger pattern of food safety challenges in the ready-to-eat meal sector. Just last month, FreshRealm linked to a separate Listeria outbreak involving pasta in Walmart linguine dishes, which shared the same bacterial strain. That earlier event, starting in June 2025, has led to serious consequences, highlighting vulnerabilities in supply chains for frozen vegetables and prepared foods.

Investigators continue to monitor for additional affected products, as the alert notes more items could emerge. The spinach contamination underscores ongoing concerns about how bacteria can survive in processed greens, even after freezing.

Health Dangers Posed by Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a serious infection that hits vulnerable groups hardest. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest threats, but healthy people can also suffer severe symptoms.

The bacteria thrives in cool environments like refrigerators, making ready-to-eat meals a potential hotspot. Each year in the U.S., about 1,600 cases occur, leading to around 260 deaths, according to health data. Early detection matters, yet symptoms often mimic the flu and can take weeks to appear.

Common signs include:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches and headaches
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Stiff neck, confusion, or balance problems in severe cases

If someone has eaten a recalled meal and feels unwell, seeking medical help promptly can prevent complications like meningitis or bloodstream infections. Doctors may test for the bacteria through blood or spinal fluid samples.

Response from HelloFresh and Authorities

HelloFresh acted quickly, stating that customer safety remains their top priority. The company confirmed the recall for the two meals and advised subscribers to discard any matching products or contact support for refunds. FreshRealm’s customer service line, 1-888-244-1562, stands ready to assist with questions.

Regulators praise the voluntary alert but stress vigilance. The USDA updated protocols last December following deadly outbreaks, including one from Boar’s Head deli meats that claimed 10 lives. This HelloFresh case adds to a string of 2025 incidents, prompting calls for stricter supplier testing.

No illnesses tie directly to these spinach-containing meals so far, but the linked pasta outbreak has sickened 20 people across 15 states, with four fatalities as of late September. The most recent case dates to early October, showing the outbreak’s persistence.

Advice for Consumers and Looking Ahead

Anyone with the affected HelloFresh meals should toss them immediately, even if they look or smell fine, as Listeria does not always cause noticeable changes. Returns through the company ensure full refunds, and keeping receipts helps streamline the process.

For peace of mind, review recent deliveries and monitor for symptoms up to two months after consumption. This recall reminds us of the value in choosing verified suppliers and staying informed about food alerts.

Past events, like a 2024 spinach recall affecting mixed salads in HelloFresh boxes, show these issues recur in the industry. Logical steps, such as thorough washing of produce and proper storage, reduce risks, but recalls like this highlight the need for better oversight.

Stay safe by checking official USDA updates regularly. If you have experiences with HelloFresh or similar recalls, share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to friends and family to help prevent potential harm.