Walmart recalls broccoli florets in 20 U.S. States due to possible listeria contamination
Walmart issues an urgent recall for Marketside Broccoli Florets in 20 states over Listeria concerns. Learn about the affected lot, health risks, and what to do if you purchased this product.
Walmart has announced a voluntary recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold in 12-ounce bags across 20 U.S. states. The recall follows concerns about potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
The contamination was detected during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services at a Walmart store, where one sample tested positive for Listeria. While no illnesses have been reported so far, Walmart and supplier Braga Fresh are urging customers to take immediate precautions and avoid consuming the product.
Which Product is affected by the Recall on Walmart?
Broccoli florets sold in 12-ounce bags at Walmart stores across 20 U.S. states are being recalled following random testing that detected Listeria monocytogenes in one sample, according to a notice released this week by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall applies to Marketside Broccoli Florets, which are pre-washed and ready-to-eat, sourced from Braga Fresh, a supplier based in Soledad, California. These products were distributed to over 1,000 Walmart locations in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. (A complete list of affected store locations is available on the official FDA recall notice).
According to Braga Fresh, the contamination was identified during routine random sampling conducted by Texas Health & Human Services at a Walmart store in Texas. Out of several samples tested, one returned a positive result for Listeria contamination.
California farm Braga Fresh has recalled after one sample tested positive for listeria. Photo: FDA.
The affected broccoli bags carried a best-if-used-by date of December 10, 2024. While the product is no longer available on store shelves, officials caution that some consumers may have frozen the broccoli for future consumption and should check their supplies.
The affected broccoli florets were packaged in bags labeled with the UPC code 6 81131 32884 5 on the back and the lot code BFFG327A6 on the front.
Consumers who have purchased this recalled product are advised not to eat it and should dispose of it immediately. For any inquiries, customers can contact Braga Fresh by calling 877-456-7445 from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time, or by emailing WeCare@bragafresh.com.
Why is Listeria monocytogenes Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. It poses the highest risk to:
- Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage or stillbirth)
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems
Symptoms of Listeria infection include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, the infection can lead to meningitis or blood poisoning.
As of now, no illnesses linked to the recalled broccoli have been reported, but consumers are urged to avoid consuming the product and to follow the recall instructions provided by Braga Fresh and the FDA.