Deadly Listeria Recall Expands for Walmart Broccoli in 20 States

SOLEDAD, Calif. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a voluntary recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart stores across 20 states due to potential listeria contamination. The recall, initially issued by Braga Fresh Foods on Dec. 27, 2024, was updated on Jan. 27, 2025, to a Class I designation, the FDA’s highest risk level, indicating a “reasonable probability” of serious health consequences or death.

The recall affects 12-ounce bags of ready-to-eat broccoli florets with a “best if used by” date of Dec. 10, 2024, and a UPC code of 6 81131 32884 5. The contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services at a Walmart store in Texas, where one sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.

Braga Fresh Foods, based in Soledad, California, stated that the recalled products were no longer on store shelves as of December 2024. Consumers in possession of the affected broccoli are urged to discard it immediately and avoid consumption.

The recalled broccoli was sold in Walmart stores in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous for pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth, or severe illness, with an estimated 1,600 cases and 260 deaths annually in the U.S.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the intestines, causing headaches, confusion, and loss of balance. The CDC advises individuals who consumed the recalled product and experience symptoms to seek medical care immediately.

This recall underscores the importance of food safety, particularly for high-risk populations. The CDC recommends avoiding high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy, soft cheeses, and undercooked meats, and reheating ready-to-eat deli meats until steaming hot to reduce the risk of listeria exposure.

An earlier version of this story was published on Jan. 2, 2025.