Broccoli Recall Alert: What You Need to Know About the Health Risks

A broccoli product sold at Walmart has been recalled in 20 states due to potential listeria contamination, raising concerns about food safety and the prevalence of this dangerous bacteria in common products.

At a Glance

Braga Fresh recalls 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets due to listeria concerns.
The recall affects products sold in 20 states with a “best if used by” date of Dec. 10, 2024.
No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised to discard the product if they still have it in their freezers.
Listeria can cause severe illness, especially in high-risk groups.
Recent listeria outbreaks highlight ongoing food safety challenges.

Broccoli Recall Details

Braga Fresh has issued a recall for 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets due to potential listeria contamination. The recall affects products sold at Walmart stores in 20 U.S. states, including Montana, Ohio, California, Utah, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Arkansas, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and Kentucky. The affected broccoli has a “best if used by” date of Dec. 10, 2024, and can be identified by the UPC code “6 81131 32884 5” and lot code “BFFG327A6”.

The recall was initiated after routine testing conducted by Texas Health & Human Services found listeria in samples of the product. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled broccoli, consumers are strongly advised to take precautions.

Consumers who bought a bag of broccoli florets are warned of possible listeria contamination in over 20 states.https://t.co/XFydaLxqUM

— KTSM 9 News (@KTSMtv) January 2, 2025

Consumer Advisory and Health Risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a clear directive to consumers regarding the recalled broccoli. According to the FDA notice:

“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 FDA stated, adding, “Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product.”

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, can cause a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe invasive illness. High-risk groups for severe symptoms include pregnant individuals, older adults, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of invasive listeria can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, seizures, and confusion.

Special Concerns for Vulnerable Populations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the particular dangers listeria poses to certain groups. For pregnant individuals, the risks are especially high. The CDC warns:

“Listeria can spread to your baby during pregnancy [and] cause harm, even if you do not feel very sick. Sadly, one in four pregnant people who get this illness lose their pregnancy or their baby shortly after birth.”

Older adults are also at increased risk. The CDC explains, “As you get older, your immune system has a harder time recognizing and getting rid of harmful germs, including listeria. You also have less stomach acid, which can help kill germs.” This vulnerability is reflected in the statistics, with approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis occurring annually among older adults, resulting in high rates of hospitalization and mortality.

Broader Context of Listeria Concerns

Other recent listeria-related recalls have affected products such as New Age International’s Enoki Mushrooms and Baker Farms’ mustard greens. More alarmingly, the CDC is currently investigating a separate listeria outbreak linked to meat products, which has resulted in 19 infections, 17 hospitalizations, and two deaths.

These recurring incidents underscore the importance of vigilance in food safety practices. The U.S. Food Safety Inspection Service advises proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent listeria contamination. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls, practice safe food handling, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated products.

For those seeking additional information about the broccoli recall, Braga Fresh can be contacted at 877-456-7445. As food safety concerns continue to make headlines, it remains crucial for consumers to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being.