The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cranked up the seriousness of a recent broccoli recall to a Class I, as of January 27, the highest risk category on their chart, and it involves broccoli florets sold at Walmart across numerous states. According to ClickOnDetroit, this type of recall is signifying "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," says the FDA.

Issued by Braga Fresh of Salinas, California, the advisory went out after samples from a Texas Walmart, conducted by Health and Human Services workers, turned up with Listeria monocytogenes, as per The Hill. Originally, the product was marked as "advisory" in late December, but samples with listeria have prompted a more severe response.

The specifics of the product in question include 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets with a best-by date of December 10, 2024, featuring a UPC code 6 81131 32884 5 and lot code BFFG327A6. Customers who have purchased this product are strongly encouraged to discard it immediately. Questions regarding the recall can be directed to Braga Fresh at 877-456-7445 or via email at [email protected].

While no illnesses were reported at the time of the initial recall or the upgraded notice, listeriosis is a serious infection. It can lead to severe complications such as miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women and can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Such victims may experience symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, as reported by USA Today.

The recall affects Walmart stores in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Consumers residing in or having purchased broccoli florets from Walmart stores in these states should take the necessary precautions and heed the FDA's warning to ensure safety and prevent potential health risks. For anyone experiencing symptoms associated with listeriosis, immediate medical care is suggested.