Braga Fresh has issued a voluntary recall of its Marketside Broccoli Florets due to concerns over potential listeria contamination. The ready-to-eat, washed, and packaged broccoli, sold in 12-ounce bags at Walmart locations across 20 states, carries the best-if-used-by date of December 10, 2024.
The recall was prompted following routine testing conducted by the Texas Department of Health, where one of several samples from the product produced positive results for Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement made on December 31, 2024. Although no illnesses have been reported tied to the affected batch, the FDA is advising consumers to check their freezers for the recalled item.
Consumers should look for products with the UPC code 6 81131 32884 5, as well as the lot code BFFG327A6 printed on the front of the bags. The recall affects broccoli florets sold at Walmart retailers not just in Texas, but across Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Braga Fresh is urging the public to discard any frozen or stored products bearing the designated UPC and lot codes. The FDA warns of potential health risks associated with listeria, especially to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The FDA explained, "Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections..." Symptoms could include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. When ingested, listeria poses significant risks as listeriosis can lead to severe health complications.
Darin Detwiler, a food safety adviser at Northeastern University, noted the rising frequency of listeria outbreaks and hinted at the complex dynamics of modern food systems which often bypass consumer preparation steps, amplifying the risk of contamination reaching consumers directly. He observed, "These products skip consumer preparation steps, which means any contamination...can reach consumers directly."
Despite the alarming nature of this voluntary recall, Braga Fresh has reported no illnesses related to this product at this time. The affected batches of broccoli have already surpassed their best-if-used date and should be absent from grocery store shelves.
For additional information, concerned consumers can contact Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445 or via email at [email protected]. The FDA remains committed to monitoring the situation and ensuring consumer health and safety. This advisory serves as yet another reminder for consumers to stay vigilant about the products they have at home, particularly those with recent recalls.