A popular brand of broccoli sold at Walmart has been voluntarily recalled in 20 states due to possible listeria contamination. Braga Fresh, a California-based company, issued the advisory for its Marketside Broccoli Florets, a ready-to-eat product distributed widely. While the product is past its best-by date and no longer on store shelves, it’s possible that consumers have frozen it for future use. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria linked to the recall, can cause severe illness, particularly for high-risk groups such as older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers to discard the product immediately. Here’s what you need to know about the recall, the risks associated with listeria, and the steps to take if you purchased this product.
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Details of the Recalled Broccoli
Braga Fresh
Braga Fresh is recalling 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets due to concerns over listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected bags have a best-used-by date of December 10, 2024, a UPC code of 6 81131 32884 5, and a lot code of BFFG327A6. These ready-to-eat florets, sold at Walmart locations, may still be in consumer freezers, despite being off store shelves. The recall stems from random testing conducted by Texas Health and Human Services, which identified listeria in a sample from a Texas store.
States Impacted by the Recall
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The affected broccoli was distributed to Walmart stores in 20 states, spanning much of the western and central United States. These states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Texas, and Wyoming, among others. Consumers in these areas should check their freezers for the recalled lot. Questions can be directed to Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445 or via email at [email protected].
How Listeria Contamination Was Discovered
Photo by The contamination was identified during routine random sampling at a Walmart store in Texas. The sample tested positive for listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium. While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA and Braga Fresh acted swiftly to issue a recall out of caution. Consumers who purchased this product are urged to dispose of it immediately to avoid any risk.
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Health Risks of Listeria
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Listeriosis, caused by listeria monocytogenes, is a serious bacterial infection. According to the CDC, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis or miscarriage in pregnant women. People in high-risk categories should seek medical care if they experience flu-like symptoms after consuming contaminated food.
Steps to Protect Yourself
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Consumers who purchased the recalled Marketside Broccoli Florets should not consume them under any circumstances. Discard the product immediately, even if it has been frozen, as freezing does not eliminate the risk of listeria. Always check lot codes and best-by dates on products in your freezer to ensure safety. The FDA and Braga Fresh have provided contact information for anyone with questions or concerns about the recall.