Stop eating this now! FDA issues urgent recall over deadly bacteria in produce

Have you ever picked up fresh produce during your usual grocery trip, thinking it’s a healthy choice, only to find out later it could be a hidden danger? It turns out that something as innocent as your veggies may pose a serious health risk, especially for older adults.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about a potentially deadly hazard in the produce aisle.


This warning concerns a common food item that may have been contaminated, and the risk is significant enough to make it essential for you to stay informed and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Here at The GrayVine, we prioritize your health, and we’re here to share what you need to know about this recent recall and how to stay safe. Staying one step ahead when it comes to health risks is crucial, and we’ve got you covered.


veggies.jpeg
Stay informed: The FDA has issued a recall on a popular produce item due to listeria concerns. Image Source: Pexels / Engin Akyurt.


Understanding the Recall

The recall was first issued on December 27, 2024, and updated on January 27, 2025, with a "Class I" designation by the FDA. This is the FDA’s most severe classification, indicating a “reasonable probability” that consuming the affected product could lead to serious health consequences or even death.

The recall was triggered after a random sample of broccoli tested positive for listeria at a store in Texas. While no illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall, the potential for harm was significant enough to issue an immediate warning.


The Details You Need to Know

The affected broccoli was sold in 12-ounce bags under the “Marketside” brand, and it was available in 20 states. These bags, which were sold with a "best if used by" date of December 10, 2024, and a UPC code of 6 81131 32884 5, should not be consumed.

Even though these bags are no longer on store shelves, consumers who may still have them at home should immediately discard the product. The recall affects several states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, and more.


Screenshot 2025-02-03 at 10.46.50 PM.png
FDA issues urgent recall on a popular grocery item due to listeria risk—find out if it’s in your fridge! Image Source: FDA.


Listeria: A Hidden Danger

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that causes listeriosis, a serious infection. Certain individuals are at a much higher risk, including pregnant individuals, newborns, and older adults (65 and up).

For those in these groups, a listeria infection can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, or even death.


Each year, about 1,600 people in the US contract listeriosis, with roughly 260 deaths resulting from the illness.

To protect yourself, the CDC recommends avoiding high-risk foods, such as unpasteurized dairy, raw or undercooked meats, and deli meats unless they are reheated to a steaming hot temperature.


Symptoms and Precautions

Listeriosis symptoms can appear anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks after eating contaminated food. The early symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, which typically last for a few days. However, a more severe form of listeriosis can cause fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and even confusion or loss of balance.

If you’ve consumed any of the recalled broccoli or other foods linked to listeria, and experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. The quicker you act, the better the chances of avoiding serious complications.


Source: YouTube / KPIX | CBS NEWS BAY AREA


Here at The GrayVine, we want to help you stay informed and safe. We encourage everyone to check their refrigerators for the recalled broccoli and monitor FDA updates for any additional news. Being proactive with food safety is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

Key Takeaways
  • Braga Fresh Foods has issued a voluntary recall of its Marketside Broccoli Florets due to listeria concerns. The FDA later classified it as a Class I recall, indicating a serious health risk.
  • The recalled broccoli was sold in 20 states at Walmart and other locations, with consumers advised to discard any affected product.
  • No cases of illness had been reported at the time of the recall notice, despite contamination being detected through random sampling.
  • Information about listeria and its symptoms was shared, emphasizing the risks to pregnant individuals, newborns, those with weakened immune systems, and adults aged 65 or older.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the recall? Do you have tips for staying on top of food recalls and ensuring the safety of your groceries? We’d love to hear from you! Please share your experiences and advice in the comments below. Together, we can keep our community healthy and well-informed!

Also read: Could your dip be contaminated? FDA recall sparks concern
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.
Share With a Friend
Change Weather Zip code ×
Change Petrol Postcode×