A recent Walmart Broccoli Recall has escalated into a serious public health concern after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its classification to a Class I recall—the agency’s most urgent risk level. This designation signals a “reasonable probability” that consuming the recalled product could cause serious health consequences or death, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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The recall affects Braga Fresh Foods’ 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets, which were sold at Walmart stores across 20 states. Though initially announced as a voluntary recall on December 27, 2024, the FDA upgraded its status on January 27, 2025, following a positive listeria test result during routine sampling at a store in Texas.
Details of the Walmart Broccoli Recall: How to Identify the Affected Product
Recalled Product:
- Brand: Marketside
- Item: Broccoli Florets, 12 oz (ready-to-eat)
- UPC Code: 6 81131 32884 5
- Lot Code: BFFG327A6
- Best If Used By: December 10, 2024
Although the recalled bags are now past their expiration date and were removed from shelves, consumers are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers. If you possess the affected broccoli, do not consume it—dispose of it immediately.
Where Was the Recalled Broccoli Sold?
The Walmart Broccoli Recall spans a wide geographic area. According to the FDA, the impacted product was sold in the following 20 states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Why Is This Broccoli Recall So Dangerous? Understanding Listeria
The broccoli tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that certain groups face the highest risks:
- Pregnant individuals
- Newborns
- People 65 years or older
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
For pregnant individuals, listeria can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
Listeria Symptoms to Watch For
Mild symptoms (usually appear within 24 hours):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe invasive listeriosis (1–2 weeks post-exposure):
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
If you or someone in your household experiences these symptoms after consuming the affected product, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
What to Do If You Purchased the Recalled Walmart Broccoli
- Do not consume it.
- Dispose of the product safely.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces the broccoli may have touched.
- Monitor for symptoms if it was already consumed.
The recall is a stark reminder of how critical it is to stay up to date on food safety alerts. Visit the FDA or CDC recall databases to check other products you may have purchased.
Final Thoughts on the Walmart Broccoli Recall
The Walmart Broccoli Recall is more than just a product withdrawal—it’s a warning about the real dangers posed by foodborne bacteria like listeria. While no illnesses have been reported yet, the FDA’s Class I designation should be taken seriously by anyone who purchased Marketside Broccoli Florets from Walmart during the affected time frame.
Protect yourself and your loved ones—stay alert, discard recalled items, and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.