The Food and Drug Administration escalated a recall of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart to the highest level after the product was found to be contaminated with listeria.

The “Class I” recall means there is a “reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” 

Routine testing conducted by the Texas Department of Health detected listeria in one batch of the broccoli, prompting the elevated warning, according to the FDA.

Although no illnesses or deaths have been reported so far, officials warn that contaminated broccoli may still be in consumers’ homes, particularly in freezers.

The recall affects 12-ounce bags of the product, which were sold in 20 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

It has a sell-by date of December 10 and carries the lot code BFFG327A6, printed on the front of the bag.

Braga Fresh, the manufacturer behind the recalled broccoli, has been a major supplier of produce to major grocery chains, including Walmart.

The company was recognized as Walmart’s Produce Supplier of the Year in 2022.

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious infection primarily affecting older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

The infection can lead to life-threatening complications, including miscarriages, stillbirths and severe illness in newborns. Listeria infects around 1,600 Americans each year and kills up to 260.

Symptoms of listeriosis in otherwise healthy individuals may include high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. More severe cases can result in confusion, loss of balance and convulsions if the infection spreads to the nervous system.

Listeriosis is typically treated with antibiotics, but early detection is crucial to prevent complications.

The FDA urges consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled product.

Anyone who has purchased the affected broccoli should dispose of it immediately or return it to Walmart for a full refund.

Additionally, individuals who suspect they may have developed symptoms after consuming the broccoli are encouraged to report their illness to health authorities.

This recall highlights the ongoing challenges of foodborne illnesses linked to fresh produce.

Listeria contamination is responsible for an average of 47 recalls each year, affecting various food products, including raw vegetables, unpasteurized dairy and deli meats.

In recent years, listeria outbreaks have led to major recalls, including 10 million pounds of beef and poultry in 2023 and a Boar’s Head deli meat recall that involved 10 deaths and 61 illnesses.