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A recent recall of fresh broccoli florets sold at Walmart stores has shoppers concerned about potential Listeria contamination. Here’s a breakdown of the recall, the risks involved, and what to do if you’ve purchased the affected product.

The Recall Details

On 01/02/2025, Walmart issued a voluntary recall of its Marketside brand broccoli florets due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects specific products sold in 11 states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee.  

Affected Product:

• Marketside Classic Broccoli Florets
• UPC Code: 681131019896
• Use By Date: October 23, 2025 (or earlier)

Important Note: This recall only affects broccoli florets with the specific UPC code and Use By date mentioned above. Other Walmart Marketside products, including frozen broccoli, are not included in this recall.

What is Listeria monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.  

What to Do if You Purchased the Recalled Broccoli

If you have purchased Marketside Classic Broccoli Florets with the specified UPC code and Use By date, do not consume them.

• Return the product: Return the recalled broccoli to the Walmart store where you purchased it for a full refund.
• Check your refrigerator: Thoroughly clean your refrigerator, especially any areas where the recalled broccoli was stored, to prevent potential cross-contamination.  
• Monitor for symptoms: If you have consumed the recalled broccoli and experience any symptoms of Listeria infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Listeria Prevention Tips

• Practice safe food handling: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
• Clean surfaces: Clean all cutting boards, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.  
• Cook food thoroughly: Ensure that all meats, poultry, and seafood are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Refrigerate promptly: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of purchase or preparation.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods in your refrigerator and during preparation.

Staying Informed

It’s important to stay informed about food recalls to protect yourself and your family. Here are some resources to help you stay up-to-date:

• FDA Food Safety Recalls: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website provides information on current food recalls, including details about the recalled products and potential health risks.  
• CDC Food Safety Alerts: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues food safety alerts when there is a significant foodborne outbreak.  
• Company Websites: Check the websites of food manufacturers and retailers for information on recalls and food safety.

The Importance of Food Safety

This Walmart broccoli recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices. By following proper food handling and storage guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of foodborne illness. Stay informed, be vigilant, and prioritize food safety in your home.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, ¹ please consult a healthcare professional.

Okay, folks, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the Cybertruck that wasn’t in the room after it went boom in Vegas on New Year’s Day.

I know, I know, it’s a wild story. A Tesla Cybertruck, that futuristic, angular beast of a vehicle, exploding outside the Trump International Hotel? It sounds like something straight out of a movie. But unfortunately, it was all too real.

Here’s the lowdown as we know it:

• The Incident: On the morning of January 1st, 2025, a Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Sadly, the driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, died in the blast, and seven others were injured.
• Who Was Matthew Livelsberger? Reports say Livelsberger was a 37-year-old former Army veteran from Colorado Springs. Some sources even suggest he was an active-duty special operations soldier.
• The Big Question: WHY? This is the million-dollar question, and right now, we just don’t have a definitive answer. Authorities are investigating, but as of today, no official motive has been released. Was it a deliberate act? A terrible accident? We just don’t know yet.

Speculation and Theories

Of course, in the absence of concrete information, the internet is abuzz with speculation. Some are pointing fingers at terrorism, while others are wondering if this was a case of a vehicle malfunction. There are even whispers about possible connections to another incident involving an Army veteran in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.

But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s crucial to rely on facts and avoid spreading misinformation. Let’s let the investigators do their job and wait for official updates.

What About Tesla?

Tesla hasn’t released an official statement yet, but you can bet they’re looking into this very seriously. The Cybertruck is their flagship vehicle, and an incident like this could have a major impact on its reputation.

What’s Next?

The investigation is ongoing, and we can expect more information to emerge in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, let’s keep the victims and their families in our thoughts.

This is a developing story, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on it. Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going, but let’s also remember to be respectful and avoid jumping to conclusions.