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The FDA recalled Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart due to listeria contamination. Consumers should discard affected products. Listeria poses severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. No illnesses have been reported.
FDA recalls broccoli due to listeria risk (AP Photo)
UPDATED: Feb 6, 2025 00:00 IST
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall for Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart in 20 states. This recall, the highest risk level issued by the FDA, is due to possible listeria contamination, which can be life-threatening.
Braga Fresh, the producer of the broccoli florets, initiated a voluntary recall after the FDA’s announcement.
A “Class I” recall indicates a serious risk of health problems or death from using or being exposed to the product. The broccoli was sold at Walmart in 20 states, including Texas, Washington, and California.
To protect yourself and your family, please check your freezers for this product.
Look for UPC 6 81131 32884 5 on the back of the bag, Lot Code BFFG327A6 on the front of the bag, Along with a "best by" date of December 10, 2024.If you find this broccoli, please discard it immediately, even if frozen.
The potential contamination was identified through routine sampling conducted by the Texas Health and Human Services at a retail location of Walmart in Texas. Importantly, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.
What is Listeria?
Listeria Monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. It has the ability to survive and even grow in refrigerated or preserved food items. The illness caused by consuming listeria-contaminated food is called listeriosis.
The CDC reports that 1,600 people get infected with listeria annually and 260 people die from this infection.
"Listeria can cause significant illness in healthy people, manifesting with symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea,” Clarkson Family Medicine resident physician Eva Khondaker, MD, says. "In people at high risk, the infection can be particularly severe and even fatal.”
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment with antibiotics are essential to prevent severe outcomes. While this disease is not contagious, listeriosis is typically spread through improper food handling that allows the bacteria to contaminate food.
Symptoms of listeriosis include:
Flu-like symptoms: fever, muscle ache, headache Gastrointestinal symptoms: Diarrhea, upset stomach Neurological symptoms: loss of balance, stiff neck, confusionTo minimize the risk, follow these safety practices:
Hygiene: Maintain rigorous hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after handling raw foods. Ensure that all food preparation surfaces and utensils are cleaned and sanitized regularly. Cross-Contamination Prevention: Employ separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. This practice is crucial in minimizing the spread of bacteria. Thermal Processing: Reheat deli meats, hot dogs, and leftover food items to a steaming hot temperature before consumption. This thermal treatment effectively eliminates Listeria bacteria. Dairy Product Selection: Consume only pasteurized dairy products. Avoid unpasteurized milk and cheeses, as these may harbor harmful bacteria. Refrigeration Practices: Maintain a refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. This temperature inhibits bacterial growth.Every year, Listeria contamination leads to an average of 47 recalls of different food products. These recalls might be contracted by consuming food items contaminated with this bacteria, which is commonly found in deli items, fruits, and vegetables. Unpasteurized milk or raw dairy products might also contain listeria.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Feb 6, 2025
