The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reclassified a recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart to a Class I recall, the highest level of urgency, indicating a serious health risk. This upgrade signifies a reasonable probability of severe adverse health consequences or death from consuming the contaminated product. The broccoli, sold in 12-ounce packages with a “best if used by” date of December 10, 2024, was initially recalled voluntarily by Braga Fresh on December 27, 2024.
The FDA’s reclassification underscores the potential danger posed by Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria found in the recalled broccoli. This organism can cause life-threatening infections, especially in vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals can experience severe symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as Listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
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While the recalled broccoli is past its “best if used by” date and likely no longer available in stores, consumers might have frozen it for later use. The FDA and Braga Fresh strongly advise anyone possessing the recalled product to discard it immediately and not consume it under any circumstances. The contamination was discovered during routine sampling by Texas Health & Human Services at a Walmart store in Texas. One of the samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, prompting the initial recall.
The affected broccoli florets were distributed to Walmart stores across multiple states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Consumers can identify the recalled product by checking the UPC code (6 81131 32884 5) on the back of the bag and the Lot Code (BFFG327A6) on the front, along with the “Best if Used by Date” of December 10, 2024.
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Braga Fresh has established a dedicated consumer hotline (877-456-7445) available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, to address any concerns and provide further information regarding the recall. Consumers can also reach out via email at [email protected]. This recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety practices and the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated products, even seemingly harmless vegetables like broccoli. Prompt action by both the FDA and Braga Fresh aims to mitigate the potential health risks and prevent serious illness or fatalities.
