Early in January 2025, it was announced that there is a big recall involving bags of broccoli sold in some 20 states due to probable contamination with listeria. Here are details on this product recall: affected products, risks to one’s health posed by listeria, and how to act upon acquiring such a product.
Details of the recall
The recall is for 12-ounce bags of pre-washed and ready-to-eat Marketside Broccoli Florets. The products subject to this action have a “best if used by” date of December 10, 2024, and were sent to Walmart stores in the states listed below:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
This recall was announced by Braga Fresh, a California company, after the routine testing done by the Texas Department of State Health Services found the bacteria listeria from one sample originating from a store in Texas. Even though no one has been reported to be sick from the consumption of this product, the FDA has issued an alert to consumers to search their households and get rid of any bags of the contaminated broccoli.
Health risks of listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause very severe infections, especially for at-risk populations that put pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, listeriosis can develop into meningitis and septicemia. Pregnant women have much to worry about as listeriosis may cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
What consumers should do
Consumers who purchased the recalled Marketside Broccoli Florets should:
- Check your freezer: If you froze the product for future use, check your freezer.Â
- Throw away affected products: If you have any of the bags with the “best if used by” date of December 10, 2024 or lot code BFFG327A6 do not eat them; instead discard.
- Return for refund: Consumers can also return the recalled product to where it was purchased for a full refund
- Call information: Consumers with additional questions or who have experienced a problem with any of these products may call Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445 Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific Time or e-mail them at WeCare@bragafresh.com357
No other products affected
It is important to note that the recall pertains only to Marketside brand broccoli florets. The recall does not apply to any other products sold under Braga Fresh or any other brand. Consumers must be vigilant but can be somewhat comforted that all the other vegetable produce is still consumable.
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