A huge recall of celery has hit Walmart stores in nearly 30 states across the United States, based on concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed that Marketside Celery Sticks, which were offered by California-based firm Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., had been voluntarily recalled following a random test sample that was discovered to contain listeria.
The Listeria-contaminated celery was discovered through routine sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture at a Georgia Walmart store. While no illnesses have been reported, the danger posed by Listeria contamination is serious enough to warrant an immediate recall, especially given the product’s widespread distribution.
What Product Was Recalled?
The recalled product is the Marketside Celery Sticks (4-count) sold exclusively at Walmart. The ready-to-eat celery sticks have the UPC 6 81131 16151 0 and a sell-through date of March 23. While the product is off retailers’ shelves, the FDA warns that others may have frozen the celery to use at a later time. Packages with lot code P047650, marked in large print on the front of the package, are being recalled.
Which States Are Affected?
The recalled celery sticks were sold in Walmart stores in Alabama, California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Listeria: A Dangerous Pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause severe and in some cases, deadly infections. Symptoms of Listeria are fever, muscle pains, nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. The infection is also a more significant threat to pregnant women, who might develop miscarriage or stillbirths, as well as to elderly patients and immunocompromised patients.
Although the Walmart celery recall has so far not been linked to any diseases, the FDA recommends that anyone who purchased the product discard it. Consumers should not take a chance even if the celery appears fresh or is in a frozen state.
No Impact on Other Products
You must note that the recall is specific to the referred celery sticks and not to any other Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. products. There is no concern in purchasing their other products, as there is no indication of contamination in the other products.
What Should You Do?
If you have the recalled Marketside Celery Sticks, dispose of them immediately. Do not serve or consume them, even if they have been refrigerated or frozen. For additional information, consumers may refer to the FDA recall notice or contact Walmart’s customer service line.
This celery recall by Walmart is a wake-up call of just how important food safety is, especially when it comes to ready-to-eat produce and fruits. There is not necessarily an epidemic of ill health, but listeria contamination is not to be ruled out.
Stay alert, check your fridge, and spread the word. Your health might just rely on it.
