FDA Labels Walmart Broccoli Recall in 20 States as Deadly Due to Listeria Risk

The recall of Braga Fresh’s Marketside Broccoli Florets, initially issued in December 2024, has intensified after the FDA classified it as a Class I threat—reserved for risks with "reasonable probability of death." The contaminated batch, linked to a single lot (BFFG327A6), was distributed to Walmart stores from Alaska to Ohio, sparking alarms in 20 states. Texas health officials first detected Listeria monocytogenes during routine store sampling, though no illnesses have yet been reported. The bacteria, notorious for surviving refrigeration, poses grave dangers to vulnerable groups: pregnant individuals face miscarriage risks, while others may suffer sepsis or meningitis. Experts warn symptoms like fever, confusion, or stiff neck can emerge weeks after exposure. Walmart has pulled remaining stock, urging customers to discard the product or return it for refunds. The FDA’s rare "deadly" designation underscores the severity, with food safety advocates criticizing gaps in preemptive testing. Braga Fresh has not commented on the contamination’s source, leaving consumers questioning how a staple vegetable became a lethal hazard. Health officials stress vigilance, urging anyone with symptoms to seek immediate care.

20 States effected by the recall:
Alaska
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming