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About 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 people die each year from preventable foodborne illnesses.
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Broccoli sold at Walmart in 20 states is now the subject of a possibly deadly recall, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Late last year, Braga Fresh, based in Soledad, California, issued a voluntary recall and product warning for Marketside Broccoli Florets, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.
The FDA announced the initial recall on Dec. 31, 2024, for Braga Fresh’s washed and ready-to-eat 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets due to the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
In a notice published on Jan. 27, 2025, the FDA labeled this a Class I recall − the highest recall risk level issued by the agency, as it can potentially lead to death.
Here’s what to know about the recalled broccoli including where it was sold:
What broccoli is being recalled?
Braga Fresh is recalling a single lot of 12-ounce bags of washed and ready-to-eat Marketside Broccoli Florets:
- The product has a best-used-by-date of Dec. 10, 2024.
- The UPC listed on the back of the bag is 6 81131 32884 5.
- The lot code listed on the front of the bag is BFFG327A6.
Contamination discovered during random store sampling in Texas
According to the recall notice, the broccoli may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.
The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health and Human Services from a Texas store location where samples tested positive for listeria.
No illness have immediately been reported in connection to the recall.
If you bought the item, the FDA is advising to throw it away immediately.
What states is broccoli being recalled in?
The broccoli was sold at Walmart locations in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Listeria poisoning symptoms
Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms include, per the CDC:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
- Death
People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.