By The Sampadak Express
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a nationwide recall of broccoli sold at Walmart to its highest risk level, after concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, which was first issued in late December, has now been classified as a Class I recall. This designation is reserved for situations where there is a “reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Background of the Recall
The recall affects Marketside Broccoli Florets, which are washed and ready-to-eat 12-ounce packages sold under the Walmart brand. The product, distributed by Braga Fresh, a company based in Salinas, California, was recalled following the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes in multiple samples taken from a Walmart store in Texas.
Initially, the recall was issued as an “advisory” on December 2024, affecting approximately 5,918 cases of the broccoli. However, the situation escalated in late January 2025, with the FDA officially elevating the recall to Class I status on January 27, due to the severity of the contamination risk.
Affected Products and Distribution
The recalled broccoli packages have a best-if-used-by date of December 10, 2024, with the UPC code: 6 81131 32884 5 and Lot Code: BFFG327A6. These products were distributed to Walmart stores across 20 states, including:
Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Despite the fact that the affected products are now past their expiration date and are no longer on store shelves, the FDA has warned that consumers who may have frozen the product for later use should also discard it.
Health Risks of Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections. The infection is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
For healthy individuals, Listeria infection can cause mild, short-term symptoms, such as:
High fever
Severe headache
Stiffness
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
However, for pregnant women, the risks are far more severe, with Listeria infection potentially causing miscarriages or stillbirths. Therefore, the FDA strongly urges consumers to avoid consuming the affected product and dispose of any frozen packages they may have at home.
Consumer Safety Measures and Call to Action
Although no illnesses have been reported at the time of the initial advisory, the elevated risk classification signals the importance of taking immediate action. The FDA and Braga Fresh have emphasized that consumers who have already purchased the affected product should not consume it and should dispose of it immediately.
For any consumers who may have purchased the recalled broccoli or who are unsure whether they have the product in their possession, it is advisable to check the product’s packaging for the listed UPC code and Lot code, and ensure it matches the recalled items.
Consumers who have questions or need further information regarding the recall can contact Braga Fresh directly for guidance on how to return the product or receive additional assistance. The company has urged consumers to take these precautionary steps seriously to protect their health and the health of their families.
The FDA’s decision to elevate the recall to Class I reflects the serious public health risk posed by this contamination. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illnesses, and the potential consequences for pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised individuals are significant. As always, consumers are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary actions to ensure their safety when dealing with food recalls.
If you have purchased this product, please dispose of it immediately, and if you have concerns about your health, reach out to a healthcare professional. Stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any health risks related to foodborne pathogens.
