A recall of packaged and ready-to-eat broccoli has been initiated in several U.S. states. According to Braga Fresh, a potential listeria contamination risk was detected, prompting a warning about 12-ounce bags of Marketside broccoli florets that were distributed to Walmart stores.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the product has passed its expiration date and has been removed from stores, although some consumers may have frozen it for later use.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services identified the potential risk when routine testing at a store in Texas came back positive for listeria, a bacteria capable of causing infections.
Although no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, Braga Fresh decided to remove the products and issued a warning for consumers to take the proper precautions.
Which broccoli products were recalled from Walmart?
The recall includes products with the UPC code “6 81131 32884 5” and lot code “BFFG327A6” and affects only 12-ounce bags of Marketside broccoli florets.
The affected products have an expiration date of December 10, 2024. Although this date has already passed and the product has been pulled from stores, there is still concern that some consumers who purchased the broccoli may still have it.
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Where was the recalled broccoli sold?
The recalled broccoli bags were distributed to Walmart stores 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
What should I do if I have recalled broccoli from Walmart?
Consumers who have this product should not consume it under any circumstances and should dispose of it.
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for an infection that can be very serious or even fatal. This condition particularly affects young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeria
Listeria infection may include the following symptoms, which typically appear within a month:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Confusion
- In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth.
How dangerous is listeria?
Listeria infection can affect various organs, including the brain, spinal cord membranes, and the circulatory system.
How is listeria transmitted?
The bacteria are widespread in the environment, present in both water and soil. Additionally, infected animals can act as carriers and sources of transmission.
Listeria can be transmitted in the following ways:
- Consumption of unpasteurized milk or contaminated vegetables.
- Transmission from mother to fetus in the womb or directly to the fetus during childbirth.
- Through sexual contact.
- Through inhalation of the organism.
What foods cause listeria?
- Dairy products made with unpasteurized milk
- Ready-to-eat deli meats and processed meats (sausages, hams, and pâtés)
- Smoked fish, such as salmon
How to prevent listeria
Since this organism is widely distributed in the environment, the best protection involves adopting basic sanitary measures. These include consuming only pasteurized dairy products, ensuring meats are well-cooked, and thoroughly washing hands before preparing any food.
Additionally, it is recommended that pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems avoid consuming these foods, as well as soft cheeses and raw sausages.
