HelloFresh Ground Beef Sickens Several Customers; Public Health Alert Issued

HelloFresh meal kits may not be the healthier option after all, as an E. coli outbreak stemming from their ground beef has sickened several people.

The situation has forced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to issue a public health alert on the ground beef found in HelloFresh shipped meal kits. While the meat is no longer available for purchase, the notice was still necessary since many buyers may still have it in their freezer.

All affected meal kits were shipped to customers between July 2nd and July 21st from HelloFresh. Those concerned that they may have the tainted beef should check the code on the side of their packaging. If that code reads “EST#46481 L1 22 155” or “EST#46481 L5 22 155,” dispose of the meat immediately.

Multiple people have fallen ill after consuming the ground beef distributed by the meal prep delivery service. Traceback data was able to determine this. Consumers are urged to check the U.S.D.A. website for more information, such as packaging images and ways to file a complaint if the beef has sickened them.

E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, fatigue and vomiting. Most people take between five and ten days to get over the infection. However, severe cases can lead to death.

With so many recalls and health alerts at every twist and turn, what food is actually safe to eat these days?