Food safety officials have issued an urgent recall for broccoli florets sold at Walmart due to a potentially deadly Listeria contamination. The Class I recall, the most severe category designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warns that consuming the affected broccoli could lead to serious health complications—or even death.
Why Is This Recall So Serious? Understanding the Listeria Threat
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness, known as listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can survive and multiply even in refrigerated environments, making it especially hazardous in pre-packaged produce.
According to the FDA, individuals at high risk of severe illness from Listeria include:
✅ Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage or stillbirth)
✅ Young children
✅ Elderly adults
✅ People with weakened immune systems
Even healthy individuals who consume Listeria-contaminated food may suffer from:
- High fever
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and stiffness
Which Broccoli Is Being Recalled? Product Details
The recall specifically affects 12oz bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets, sold at Walmart stores. The affected packages have the following details:
🔹 UPC Code: 6 81131 32884 5 (located on the back of the bag)
🔹 Best if Used By Date: December 10, 2024
🔹 Lot Code: BFFG327A6 (printed on the front of the bag)
Although the broccoli is past its expiration date and no longer sold in stores, consumers who may have frozen it for later use are at risk.
If you have this product in your freezer, DO NOT EAT IT. Dispose of it immediately.
What You Should Do If You Have the Recalled Broccoli
If you purchased or stored the affected broccoli, take the following urgent actions:
✅ Check your refrigerator and freezer – If you find the recalled product, discard it immediately.
✅ Sanitize surfaces – Since Listeria can spread easily, thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas where the broccoli was stored.
✅ Monitor for symptoms – If you or a family member experience any symptoms of listeriosis, seek medical attention immediately.
✅ Spread the word – If you know someone who may have purchased the product, inform them about the recall.
Has Anyone Gotten Sick Yet?
At this time, no illnesses have been reported related to this recall. However, Listeria infections can take weeks to show symptoms, meaning some cases may still emerge.
The FDA continues to investigate the issue with Braga Fresh, the supplier of the affected broccoli. Walmart has also released a statement reassuring customers that their health and safety is a top priority.
Walmart spokesperson: “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.”
How Listeria Contamination Happens in Vegetables
Listeria is commonly found in soil and water, which can contaminate fresh produce during farming, processing, or packaging. It thrives in cool, damp environments, making pre-cut, packaged vegetables particularly vulnerable.
Unlike most bacteria that die in cold storage, Listeria can grow in refrigerators, which is why outbreaks linked to fresh vegetables, deli meats, and dairy products are not uncommon.
Past Listeria outbreaks have been linked to:
❌ Packaged salads
❌ Cantaloupes
❌ Soft cheeses
❌ Deli meats
How to Protect Yourself from Listeria in the Future
To reduce your risk of Listeria infection, follow these food safety tips:
🔹 Thoroughly wash fresh produce – Even pre-washed vegetables should be rinsed before consumption.
🔹 Store food at the proper temperature – Keep perishable items refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
🔹 Consume food before expiration dates – Avoid keeping products past their “Best By” or “Use By” dates.
🔹 Sanitize kitchen surfaces – Regularly clean countertops, cutting boards, and utensils.
🔹 Heat high-risk foods properly – Cooking food to at least 165°F (74°C) kills Listeria.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Take Chances – Check Your Freezer Today
This urgent recall serves as a serious reminder of the dangers of foodborne illnesses. While no one has fallen sick yet, Listeria infections can be life-threatening—especially for vulnerable individuals.
If you have the recalled broccoli, don’t take any chances. Throw it away immediately.
Stay informed, practice safe food handling, and always check recalls from the FDA to protect yourself and your family from hidden dangers in your groceries.
