Why did FDA set Walmart's Broccoli Recall to Class I? Deadly reason explored

The Food and Drug Administration has updated the recall of Broccoli florets sold at Walmart to class I risk level, which is the highest level of risk. The step was initiated after it was confirmed that the product had been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

FDA fears that if customers consume the affected broccoli, it could pose a serious threat to their health resulting in death.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Class I is described as

“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.”

The bags also include a Lot Code BFFG327A6 on the front and a UPC of 6 81131 32884 5 at the back.

Although the item is no longer sold in the market, FDA fears that customers might have it in their freezer. Hence, the FDA has instructed consumers to dispose of them and refrain from consumption. So far, no deaths or illnesses have been reported.

Read more: FDA Issues Highest Risk Recall on Lays Potato Chips

---

What is listeria monocytogenes and what are the symptoms?

According to the FDA, listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that is found in places including soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals.

The report indicated the bacteria can survive and grow even under refrigeration and in unsanitary food production conditions, leading to contamination of the food. On eating food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, people can develop a disease called listeriosis.

It is transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported, or stored in manufacturing or production environments contaminated with L. monocytogenes, according to the FDA.

The symptoms of listeriosis include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, confusion, and stiff neck. If a pregnant woman is affected by this disease then it could lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn.

According to a report in the New York Post, Listeria contamination has life-threatening effects. People who are pregnant, newborns, 65 years or older, or have a weakened immune system are possibly at a higher risk of being infected.

Read more: Wegmans recalled its frozen chicken nuggets. Details explored.

Earlier in January, sharing his concern regarding the contaminated Marketside Broccoli Florets, a Walmart spokesperson told the outlet, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority.” They warned the customers to not consume the product.

“While the expiration date for the potentially impacted Marketside Broccoli Florets has past and the product is no longer in stores, we encourage customers who may still have this product in their homes, such as stored in freezers, to not consume and to discard the product.” The spokesperson added.

The Walmart Broccoli recall has affected 20 states including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.