The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding possible Listeria contamination in broccoli sold at Walmart stores across 20 states. Produced by California’s Braga Fresh, the affected product is pre-washed, ready-to-eat broccoli sold under the store’s Marketside label. Read on for specific details of the recalled product, potential health risks of Listeria contamination, and recommended steps for consumers who may have purchased the contaminated broccoli.
How to spot the recalled Marketside Broccoli
According to the FDA, certain 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets may be contaminated with Listeria after multiple random samples from a Texas Walmart yielded positive lab results. In addition Texas, the affected Walmart broccoli was sold in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
While no illnesses have been reported and the affected broccoli bags are no longer on shelves, consumers are still strongly advised to check for the following identifiers to spot the recalled products.
- Best-if-used-by date: Dec 10, 2024
- UPC: 6 81131 32884 5
- Lot Code: BFFG327A6
A photo of the packaging is available on the FDA’s recall page. Furthermore, a complete list of the Walmart locations where the affected broccoli was sold can be found on the retail chain’s recall page.
What to do if you have the affected broccoli
If you have the recalled Marketside Broccoli Florets in your refrigerator or freezer, do not eat them. Here’s what you should do:
- Discard: Throw away the broccoli in a sealed container or bag.
- Return (Optional): You can return the broccoli to your local Walmart for a refund.
For further questions, you can call the Braga Fresh customer service line at 877-456-7445, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm PST, or email them at WeCare@bragafresh.com.
What is Listeria?
Listeria refers to a type of bacteria known scientifically as Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is a significant cause of foodborne illness, leading to a condition known as listeriosis.
Listeria monocytogenes is capable of surviving and even thriving in cool and damp environments, including refrigerated food. Unlike many other pathogens, it can grow at temperatures as low as 31°F (about -0.5°C) and can be found in various foods, particularly:
- Deli meats (e.g., hot dogs, cold cuts)
- Unpasteurized dairy products (e.g., soft cheeses)
- Smoked seafood
- Raw vegetables and fruits contaminated through soil or water
Health Risks and Symptoms
While listeriosis is relatively rare, it poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Adults aged 65 or older
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
The symptoms of listeriosis can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe infections. Initial symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
If the infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as:
- Meningitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Septicemia (blood poisoning)
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
Symptoms typically appear within a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food, with more severe symptoms potentially developing up to three months later.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing listeriosis involves proper food handling practices, such as cooking meats thoroughly, avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, and maintaining clean kitchen environments. It is also advisable to stay informed about food recalls related to listeria outbreaks.
Treatment for listeriosis varies based on the severity of the illness. Mild cases may resolve without treatment, while more severe cases often require antibiotics.
In general, listeria is a serious health concern that requires vigilance in food safety practices, especially for those at higher risk.