Urgent recall for broccoli sold at Walmart in 20 states that contains the deadly bacteria listeria
Broccoli sold at Walmart is being recalled amid concerns they could be contaminated with the deadly bacteria listeria.
The FDA revealed that routine testing of 12 oz bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets – sold in 20 states – had detected the microorganism in one batch.
None of the broccoli included in the recall is yet on supermarket shelves, but officials fear they may still be lurking in customers’ freezers.
People have been urged to throw away the contaminated broccoli or return it to stores for a full refund.
No illnesses or deaths have been reported so far during the recall, but officials are urging anyone who thinks they have been sickened by the broccoli to report their illness.
Listeria is especially dangerous for pregnant women and newborns, where it can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.
It is also particularly dangerous for older adults with weaker immune systems.
A 12-oz batch of broccoli florets sold at Walmart for $2.47 each is being recalled over concerns it could be contaminated with listeria
In unveiling the recall, officials said testing by the Texas Department of Health detected the bacteria in one of several batches sold in their state.
The broccoli has been sold in twenty states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
It has a sell-by date of December 10 and a lot code (found on the front of the bag) of BFFG327A6.
The broccoli was manufactured by Braga Fresh, which sells vegetables such as salads, celery and parsley to major supermarkets.
In 2022, Walmart named Braga Fresh fresh produce supplier of the year.
Listeria can contaminate everything from raw vegetables to unpasteurized dairy products and meats, causing approximately 47 recalls each year.
It causes the disease listeriosis, and while healthy people may only have a short-term illness, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly are at risk of serious infections.
Symptoms that healthy people may experience include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
In more severe cases, it can cause confusion, loss of balance and convulsions if it spreads to the nervous system.
About 1,600 people become infected with listeria every year.
Listeria contamination prompted several major recalls last year, including a recall of 10 million pounds of beef and poultry used in ready-to-eat meals.
It was also the cause of a major recall of Boar’s Head products, with the outbreak leading to 10 deaths and 61 people becoming ill from contaminated deli meat.