The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a severe warning regarding Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart, which have been found to be contaminated with listeria.
The recall, classified as “Class I,” is the most serious level of recall issued by the FDA, indicating a significant risk of severe health consequences or even death if the product is consumed.
The broccoli florets were available for purchase at Walmart stores across Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington state, and Wyoming.
The contamination was discovered during routine testing conducted by the Texas Department of Health, which detected listeria in a batch of broccoli, prompting the escalated alert.
According to the recall, “The specific product involved are 12oz bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart stores identified by having a UPC code 6 81131 32884 5 on back of bag, with Best if Used by Date Dec 10, 2024, and Lot Code: BFFG327A6 on front of bag. All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale. This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Braga Fresh produced products.”
While no illnesses or deaths have been reported, the FDA urges consumers to check their homes for the affected product, which may still be present, particularly in freezers. Listeria can cause serious health issues, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms, and it can lead to severe complications, including death, in extreme cases.
Consumers are advised to thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the contaminated broccoli to prevent further contamination.
No specific details have been released about the exact date or location of the contaminated batch, but the recall affects products sold under Walmart’s private brand for fresh produce, the Marketside label.