Understanding the Marketside Broccoli Recall
The Specifics of the Early 2025 Event
In late 2024, a food safety issue prompted a voluntary recall that eventually included specific broccoli sold at Walmart. The key point is that this recall involved the Marketside brand, not Great Value. Braga Fresh, the supplier of the Marketside product, initiated the recall, which the FDA later categorized as Class I in early 2025.
- Affected Product: Marketside Broccoli Florets
- Package Size: 12-ounce bags
- Reason for Recall: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
- Best-by-date: December 10, 2024
- UPC Code: 6 81131 32884 5
- Lot Code: BFFG327A6
- Affected States: Sold in 20 U.S. states
The contamination was found during routine sampling by a Texas state health department. Although no illnesses were reported at the time of the FDA's notice, the potential for severe health issues, even death, led to the Class I recall designation.
Is Great Value Broccoli Affected?
No, the early 2025 broccoli recall at Walmart did not involve any Great Value brand products. It's important to recognize that Marketside and Great Value are different brands, typically using various suppliers and production methods. Checking the brand name on the packaging is essential to determine if a product is part of a recall.
Marketside vs. Great Value: A Comparison
Understanding the differences between Marketside and Great Value can help consumers during a product recall. Both are Walmart-exclusive brands, but they are treated as distinct entities by Walmart and their suppliers.
| Feature | Marketside Broccoli | Great Value Broccoli |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | Braga Fresh (at time of recall) | Various suppliers |
| Product Affected | 12 oz. Washed & Ready-to-Eat Broccoli Florets | Not affected by the Marketside recall |
| Recall Status | Yes, Class I (Early 2025) | No active recall for Listeria on broccoli |
| Risk | Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination for specific lots | No known risk related to this event |
| Consumer Action | Discard if you have the specified lot | Safe to consume (as of October 2025) |
What to Do If You Have Recalled Marketside Broccoli
If you believe you have the recalled Marketside broccoli, take these steps immediately:
- Do Not Consume: Verify the brand, best-by-date, and lot code. If it matches the recalled information, do not eat it.
- Discard Safely: The FDA recommends disposing of the product immediately.
- Sanitize Your Kitchen: Clean any surfaces, containers, or utensils that touched the broccoli, as Listeria can survive in cold temperatures.
- Seek a Refund: You can return the product to any Walmart for a full refund, even without a receipt.
- Monitor for Symptoms: If you ate the recalled product, watch for symptoms of a Listeria infection like fever and muscle aches. Contact a doctor if you develop symptoms.
How to Stay Informed About Product Recalls
Staying informed about recalls is key for food safety. Reliable resources include:
- Recalls.gov: A central government source for recalls from agencies like the FDA and USDA.
- FDA Website: Lists food recalls under its authority.
- Walmart Corporate Recall Page: Lists current recalls affecting Walmart products.
- USDA FSIS: For meat, poultry, and egg recalls.
- Recall Notification Services: Many organizations offer alerts.
Conclusion: Great Value is Not Recalled, but Vigilance is Key
The crucial point is that the early 2025 Walmart broccoli recall was for Marketside, not Great Value. This emphasizes the importance of carefully checking product labels. By using official sources like the FDA and following safe food handling practices, consumers can help protect themselves from food safety issues. Being vigilant is the final and most important step to ensure your food is safe.
For more information on the Marketside recall, see the official FDA recall notice.
