Broccoli sold at Walmart recalled in 20 states due to possible listeria contamination
Broccoli sold at Walmart locations in 20 states is being recalled due to a potential listeria contamination, federal officials announced this week.
Braga Fresh, based in Soledad, California, issued a product warning for Marketside Broccoli Florets, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.
The broccoli was shipped to Walmart stores in nearly two dozen states, according to notice published this week by the FDA.
"This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use," the company posted in the voluntary recall. "Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product."
Here's what to know about the recall including where the product has been sold, and what to do if you bought the impacted item.
What broccoli is being recalled?
Braga Fresh is recalling a single lot of 12-ounce bags of washed and ready-to-eat Marketside Broccoli Florets:
- The product has a best-used-by-date of Dec. 10, 2024.
- The lot code listed on the front of the bag is BFFG327A6.
- The UPC listed on the back of the bag is 6 81131 32884 5.
Contamination discovered during random store sampling in Texas
According to the recall notice, the broccoli may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.
The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health and Human Services from a Texas store location where samples tested positive for listeria.
It was not immediately known whether any illnesses had been reported in connection to the recall.
If you bought the item, the FDA is advising to throw it out.
What states is broccoli being recalled in?
The broccoli was sold at Walmart locations in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Consumers with questions can call 877-456-7445 or email WeCare@bragafresh.com.
Listeriosis or listeria poisoning symptoms
Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms include, per the CDC:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
- Death
People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care.
(This story was updated with the full list of states where recalled broccoli was sold.)
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.