The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of frozen spinach products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium. The affected products include Del Mar bulk frozen spinach and Sno Pac brand organic frozen cut spinach, which were distributed across the United States.
The recall was triggered after testing revealed the presence of listeria in certain lots of the frozen spinach. While no illnesses have yet been reported, the contamination poses a heightened risk to certain vulnerable groups including pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has also issued a public health alert linked to HelloFresh ready-made meals that contained the recalled spinach.
Products Affected by the Spinach Recall
According to the FDA, the recalled items include Del Mar 35-pound Bulk Organic Frozen Spinach, typically used in food service, and Sno Pac Organic Frozen Cut Spinach, sold in 10-ounce retail bags. The affected Sno Pac lots bear the following codes: SPM1.190.5, SPC1.160.5, SPC2.160.5, and SPM1.097.5, with corresponding best-by dates of 7 July 2027, 6 June 2027 and 4 April 2027.
The spinach, which may be in consumers’ freezers, should be disposed of immediately or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone who believes they may have consumed the product and is experiencing symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting or muscle aches, is advised to seek medical attention. Consumers with questions about the recalled spinach may contact the supplier directly at 507-725-5281, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hellofresh Meals Included in USDA Alert
The recall has also prompted an alert from the FSIS, which identified two types of HelloFresh ready-made meals that may contain the contaminated spinach. The meals in question are:
- Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta (10.1-ounce containers), marked with Est. 47718 and lot code 49107, or Est. 2937 and lot code 48840
- Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey (10-ounce containers), marked with P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073 or 50698
These meals were shipped directly to consumers by HelloFresh, a meal kit delivery company. While the alert is not classified as a formal recall, it serves to notify consumers of the potential health risk. Any remaining products should be discarded.
For further inquiries, consumers can contact FreshRealm, the producer of the impacted meals, via phone at 1-888-244-1562 or email at [email protected].
