A literature review conducted by Greenpeace concluded that heating food in plastic packaging—even ready-to-heat meals labeled as “microwave-safe” or “oven-safe”—may significantly increase the migration of microplastics and chemical additives into food.
Since June, FreshRealm has been involved in an ongoing, deadly foodborne illness outbreak, as the producer of prepared pasta meals that were made with Listeria monocytogenes-tainted pasta (supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods Inc.) and distributed nationwide under various brand names. Now, FreshRealm has alerted USDA that it detected L. monocytogenes in spinach used to make meals distributed by HelloFresh.
A foodborne listeriosis outbreak in Ireland has sickened nine people and resulted in one death. Preliminary investigation results suggest the likely cause are ready-to-heat meals produced by Ballymaguire Foods, sold under a variety of brand names at major retailers. Recalls have been initiated in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The global ready meals market is expected to grow due to increasing advancement in the packaging industry. Demand for food that is additive-free, minimally processed and with extended shelf life is expected to drive the market.
