That bag of broccoli in your freezer could be a serious health risk. The FDA has escalated a recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart to Class 1, its most urgent category—reserved for food safety threats that can cause severe illness or death. The concern?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can thrive in cold storage and is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and older adults.
Unlike most recalls that focus on removing items from store shelves, this one affects consumers who may have already stocked their freezers.
Braga Fresh, the supplier behind the recall, warns: “This product is past its best if-used-by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use. Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product.”
So, what makes this recall so serious? And how can you stay informed? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the Recall, And Why Was It Upgraded?
The Walmart broccoli recall just became more urgent. Marketside Broccoli Florets, distributed by … [+]
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The recall began on December 28, 2024, when Braga Fresh, the supplier of Marketside Broccoli Florets, issued a voluntary recall due to potential Listeria contamination. At the time, it was a Class 2 recall, indicating a moderate risk.
However, on January 30, 2025, the FDA upgraded it to a Class 1 recall. Why? Here are some common reasons:
- Further testing revealed widespread contamination.
- The product was distributed across multiple states.
- Listeria infections can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death—particularly in vulnerable populations.
Unlike some recalls that impact store shelves, this one is especially concerning because the affected broccoli may still be in consumers’ homes.
Braga Fresh emphasized in its recall notice:
“This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use. Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product.”
What Makes This Recall So Serious?
Marketside broccoli recall highlights why Listeria is a major food safety risk. Unlike other … [+]
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Listeria is different from other foodborne illnesses. While bacteria like Salmonella die off in cold temperatures, Listeria survives—and even grows—in the fridge and freezer. That’s why frozen produce recalls like this one demand extra attention.
Unlike a recall for a contaminated fresh item that’s quickly discarded, a frozen recall lingers. If consumers don’t hear about it right away, they could unknowingly store and eat contaminated food months later.
How Do You Know If You Have the Recalled Broccoli?
Check your freezer for Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart. Braga Fresh warns that consumers … [+]
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If you bought Marketside Broccoli Florets (12oz) from Walmart, check for these details:
- Best If Used By: December 10, 2024
- UPC Code: 6 81131 37727 5
- Distributed In: Over 20 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois
If you have this product in your freezer, do not eat it. Throw it away immediately or return it to Walmart for a refund.
Listeria Symptoms—What to Watch For
Listeria from the Marketside recall can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant women and older … [+]
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If you’ve already eaten the recalled broccoli, be aware that Listeria symptoms can take up to 70 days to appear.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Confusion or loss of balance (in severe cases)
For pregnant women, Listeria can be particularly dangerous, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious complications for newborns. If you experience symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
What Shoppers Should Do Next
Check your freezer for Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart. Braga Fresh warns that consumers … [+]
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If you have purchased Marketside Broccoli Florets (12oz), here’s what you need to know:
- Check your freezer—Even though the recalled product is no longer in stores, you may still have it at home.
- Do not consume—Even if the product looks fine, Listeria is invisible and odorless.
- Discard it immediately—Throw away the recalled product or return it to Walmart for a refund.
- Know the symptoms—Listeria symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and confusion. If you experience these after consuming recalled food, seek medical attention.
Listeria-related recalls highlight the hidden risks in everyday foods, especially when those foods are stored for later use.
Walmart’s brocolli recall is a reminder that food safety risks don’t stop once a product is in your home. Staying informed about recalls isn’t just about what’s on the shelf today—it’s about what might still be in your freezer.