Broccoli Recall Affects Products That Were Sold in 20 States

Braga Fresh recalls Marketside Broccoli Florets sold in Walmart stores across 20 states due to potential Listeria contamination, sparking health concerns.

At a Glance

12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets with best-by date 12/10/2024 have been recalled.
The recall affects 20 states, including Alaska, California, Texas, and Wyoming.
Listeria can cause severe infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
No illnesses have been reported at this time.
Consumers are advised to discard affected products.

Recall Details and Affected Products

Braga Fresh has issued a voluntary recall for 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects products with a best-by date of December 10, 2024, UPC code “6 81131 32884 5,” and lot code “BFFG327A6.” The contamination was discovered through random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services.

The recalled broccoli was distributed in 20 states: Louisiana, Oregon, Alaska, Indiana, Wyoming, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Illinois, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, and Michigan. This advisory does not affect other Marketside or Braga Fresh products.

Broccoli sold at Walmart stores in 20 states could cause sickness: FDA https://t.co/D3oEzAkVVi

— KFOR (@kfor) January 1, 2025

Health Risks Associated with Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections, particularly in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.

Invasive listeriosis can be fatal, with approximately 260 deaths annually in the U.S. from about 1,600 cases. Pregnant women may experience mild symptoms, but the infection can lead to severe outcomes for the fetus.

Consumer Advisory and Actions

As of December 27, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported. However, consumers are strongly advised not to consume the recalled product and to discard it immediately. Braga Fresh has emphasized the importance of this precautionary measure. While the affected products are no longer in stores, officials say people should dispose of any products that may still be in their freezers.

Customers with questions or concerns can contact Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445 or [email protected] for additional information or assistance regarding the recall.

Broader Context of Listeria Concerns

This recall is part of a series of recent listeria-related recalls in the food industry. Other products affected include enoki mushrooms and mustard greens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a separate listeria outbreak linked to meat products, with 19 infections reported.

The U.S. Food Safety Inspection Service emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent contamination. These recurring incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in food safety and the need for vigilance among both producers and consumers.

As food recalls continue to make headlines, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed about potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Regular checks of recall notices and adherence to food safety guidelines can help mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses like listeriosis.