A recall on Walmart-sold broccoli florets has been escalated to Class I, the highest threat level. Consumers are urged to throw out the product due to potential contamination.
Braga Fresh first recalled some 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets on Dec. 27. The FDA announced it on Dec. 31 and recently raised the classification.
Class I recalls are the most serious FDA food recalls. They indicate a "reasonable probability" of serious health risks or death.
The recall only affects 12oz bags sold at Walmart. The impacted bags have a UPC code "6 81131 32884 5" and a best-by date of Dec. 10, 2024. The lot code is "BFFG327A6."
"All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale," Braga Foods stated. "This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Braga Fresh produced products."
"This product is past its [best-by date] and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use," the release added. "Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product."
The recall was issued due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Texas Health & Human Services found a positive test in a random sample.
"The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services from a Texas store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result," the statement read.
The affected Walmart stores are in 20 states, including Texas, California, and Illinois. Other states include Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, and Michigan.
No illnesses have been reported, but Listeria is dangerous. It can cause severe illness in pregnant women, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.
"Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women," the FDA warned.
Walmart assured customers that safety is their top concern.
"While the expiration date for the potentially impacted Marketside Broccoli Florets has passed and the product is no longer in stores, we encourage customers who may still have this product in their homes, such as stored in freezers, to not consume and to discard the product," a Walmart spokesperson said. "At this time, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this advisory, and we are working with the supplier to investigate."