FDA Classifies Recalled Broccoli Sold at Walmart as Highest Risk; Over 35,000 Bags Potentially Hazardous

Recalled broccoli sold at Walmart is now considered potentially deadly, according to a new classification by the Food and Drug Administration, the agency announced last week.

On Dec. 27, 2024, Braga Fresh Foods voluntarily recalled 35,508 bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart stores in certain U.S. states. The recall was initiated after Texas Health & Human Services randomly tested the product at a Texas Walmart, and one of multiple samples came back positive for Listeria.

On Jan. 27, the FDA set the recall's risk level at class 1, indicating a 'reasonable probability' that consuming the affected broccoli will 'cause serious adverse health consequences or death.'

To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recalled broccoli.

The recall includes products with the following information:

The affected broccoli was sold at Walmart locations in 20 states, listed below:

While the best-if-used-by date has passed and the product is no longer on store shelves, the FDA is concerned that the recalled broccoli may still be in consumers' freezers. The agency urged consumers not to eat the affected broccoli and to throw away immediately.

Consumers who may have eaten the recalled broccoli should also know and monitor for symptoms of Listeria infection, or listeriosis, which include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Some groups of people—young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems—may experience more serious or potentially fatal infections. Contact a healthcare provider if you're concerned about developing a serious illness.