Recall Issued in Illinois Over Potentially Deadly Listeria Contamination

Illinois residents, along with consumers in 19 other states, are being urged to check their freezers after a recall was issued for Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart. The recall comes from Braga Fresh, a California-based company, after routine testing in Texas uncovered potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness.

The affected product is sold in 12-ounce bags with a best-used-by date of December 10, 2024. The lot code on the front of the bag is BFFG327A6, and the UPC code on the back is 6 81131 32884 5. If you have this product at home, the FDA strongly advises against consuming it.

Where the Recall Applies

The recalled broccoli was sold at Walmart locations in Illinois and other states, including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you purchased this broccoli, do not eat it. Check your freezer to see if the affected product is there, and if it is, throw it away immediately. For questions, Braga Fresh can be reached at 877-456-7445 or via email at WeCare@bragafresh.com.

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Understanding Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. While healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms, the infection can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, and confusion, and in severe cases, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening conditions for newborns. If you or someone in your household develops flu-like symptoms after eating the recalled broccoli, it’s important to seek medical care right away.

To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, practice safe food handling and stay informed about recalls through trusted sources like the FDA or CDC. When in doubt about a product’s safety, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard it. While no illnesses have been reported in connection to this recall, it’s a good reminder to stay alert and take quick action when recalls are announced. Stay safe and spread the word to help protect others.