Check your freezer. Right now. Seriously. If you’ve got a bag of Marketside Broccoli Florets tucked away behind the frozen peas and tater tots, you need to look at the label. The FDA just bumped up the severity of a major recall, and the language they’re using is pretty heavy. Basically, we’re talking about a Class I recall, which is the government’s way of saying this stuff could actually kill you.
It’s not just a "tummy ache" warning. When the FDA classifies recalled Walmart broccoli as potentially deadly, it means there’s a "reasonable probability" that eating it will lead to serious health consequences or death.
What’s the deal with the Marketside recall?
This whole mess started with Braga Fresh, the company that packs the broccoli for Walmart. Back in late December 2024, they put out a voluntary notice. It wasn't a huge panic then. But on January 27, 2025, the FDA stepped in and slapped that Class I label on it.
The culprit? Listeria monocytogenes.
Texas health officials were doing some random sampling—standard government stuff—and found the bacteria in a bag at a local store. That one positive test triggered a cascade that pulled over 35,000 bags off the radar.
The weird part is that these bags are technically "expired." The "Best If Used By" date was December 10, 2024. You won't find them on store shelves today. But honestly, how many of us buy a bag of frozen veggies and leave it in the deep freeze for three months? Exactly. That’s why the FDA is still sounding the alarm in early 2026.
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How to tell if your bag is the dangerous one
Don't just toss all your broccoli. It’s one specific production lot. You’re looking for the 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets.
Grab the bag and flip it over. You need to match these three things:
- UPC Code: 6 81131 32884 5
- Lot Code: BFFG327A6 (This is usually on the front)
- Best If Used By Date: Dec 10, 2024
If you’ve got that exact combo, don't even open it. The bacteria inside doesn't care if you steam it or microwave it; while heat can kill Listeria, the risk of cross-contaminating your kitchen counters or your hands just isn't worth it.
Why Listeria is so scary
Most food poisoning makes you miserable for 24 hours and then moves on. Listeria is a different beast. It’s "potentially deadly" because it can sneak out of your gut and into your bloodstream or nervous system.
For a healthy person, you might just get a high fever, a brutal headache, or some stiffness. Kinda feels like a bad flu mixed with a stomach bug. But for others, it's a nightmare. Pregnant women are at massive risk—Listeria is notorious for causing miscarriages and stillbirths even if the mother doesn't feel that sick. Then you’ve got the elderly and people with weakened immune systems who can develop meningitis or sepsis.
The scary thing? Symptoms can show up as late as 70 days after you eat the contaminated food.
Where was this broccoli sold?
This wasn't just a local issue. Walmart sent these bags to 20 different states. If you live in any of these places, you’re in the "check your freezer" zone:
- West Coast: CA, OR, WA, NV
- Mountain West: AZ, CO, ID, MT, UT, WY
- Midwest: IL, IN, MI, OH
- South/Central: AK, AR, KY, LA, OK, TX
What should you actually do now?
If you find a bag that matches the lot code, you have two choices. You can chuck it in the trash—preferably in a sealed bag so the local raccoons don't get sick—or take it back to Walmart. They’re obligated to give you a full refund.
If you already ate it? Don’t panic, but stay alert.
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Monitor yourself for the next few weeks. If you start running a high fever or feeling unusually stiff, call your doctor and specifically mention the FDA classifies recalled Walmart broccoli as potentially deadly update. Most doctors won't test for Listeria unless you tell them you were exposed to a known recall.
It’s easy to tune out food recalls because they happen so often, but a Class I designation isn't white noise. It's the highest risk level the government has.
Next Steps for Your Safety:
- Verify the Lot Code BFFG327A6 on any Marketside bags in your freezer.
- Clean your freezer shelves with a diluted bleach solution if a suspect bag was stored there (Listeria can actually grow in cold temperatures).
- Contact Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445 if you have specific questions about the production dates.