FDA Issues Walmart Broccoli Recall Over Potentially Deadly Listeria Risk

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Braga Fresh has issued a Class I recall for a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat Marketside Broccoli Florets (12oz bags) sold at Walmart due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

While the affected product is past its Best If Used By date (December 10, 2024) and no longer in stores, consumers who may have frozen it are advised to discard it immediately. Consumers should check for UPC code 6 81131 32884 5 and Lot Code BFFG327A6 on the bag.

Although the initial recall date was December 27, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration updated the classification to Class I on January 27, 2025. A Class I designation is the most severe category the FDA issues, reserved for situations in which the use of or exposure to a product could result in serious adverse health consequences or death.

The recall was initiated after random testing by Texas Health & Human Services detected Listeria in one store, with several samples indicating a positive test result. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, Listeria infections can be severe, particularly for young children, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may experience nausea, diarrhea, high fever, severe headache and abdominal pain, but infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

NPR noted the influx of recalls — with produce accounting for approximately 50% — reflects improvements in food surveillance, which has become more granular, and in communication about food safety issues. These advancements have enhanced the ability to detect and trace the source of outbreaks more effectively.

Consumers may contact Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, or email WeCare@bragafresh.com.