The FDA has upgraded the recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold in Walmart stores to a Class I designation-the most serious classification by the agency-because there exists a reasonable probability that the use of the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The problem with this product arose after concerns of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Details of the recalled product
The recall includes 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets with the following marks and codes:
- UPC code: 6 81131 32884 5
- Best-by-date: December 10, 2024
- Lot code: BFFG327A6
The recalled items were shipped to Walmart in the following 20 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Contamination unveiled
This discovery came from the random samplings conducted at one Texas Walmart store by Texas Health & Human Services. “One of several samples came back positive, and resulted in this recall notice.
Listeria health implications
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes the infection listeriosis, a rare but potentially life-threatening infection. This infection mostly causes severe illness in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. The symptoms of this infection are fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeriosis also causes miscarriage or stillbirth among pregnant individuals.
Consumer guidance
Although the affected products are expired and no longer in retail stores, consumers who may have frozen the broccoli florets for future use are being encouraged to check their freezers. If the implicated product is located, it should not be consumed and should be immediately disposed of. Braga Fresh, the manufacturer of the broccoli florets said in a statement, “This product is beyond its [best-by date] and is no longer in commerce, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use. Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product.”
Company and retailer responses
A recall, announced by the FDA on December 31, 2024, was initiated by Braga Fresh on December 27, 2024. The company said the advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Braga Fresh products. Walmart, in a response to the recall, said the health and safety of its customers is “always a top priority.” The retailer added, “While the expiration date for the potentially impacted Marketside Broccoli Florets has passed and the product is no longer in stores, we encourage customers who may still have this product in their homes, such as stored in freezers, to not consume and to discard the product.” As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.
Preventive measures and recommendations
Consumers are also encouraged to be alert and to look for the recalled product in their homes and dispose of it in a manner to avoid further exposure to risk of illness. Consumers who have consumed the recalled product and who have developed symptoms of listeriosis are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can call Braga Fresh at 877-455-1205 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm PST or email at info@bragafresh.com.
