Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. issued a cautious advice on Thursday for its Marketside Celery Sticks, which are sold at select Walmart stores across the United States, due to potential listeria contamination.
On Thursday night, Newsweek emailed Duda and used an online form to contact Walmart.
Why It Matters
Several recalls have been initiated this year owing to potentially damaged items, foodborne disease, unreported food allergies, or the presence of bacteria.
Every year, millions of Americans develop food sensitivities or allergies. According to the FDA, the nine “major” food allergens in the United States are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts, and peanuts.
The FDA warns that Listeria can cause serious and even deadly infections in those with low immune systems, including as the elderly, frail, and young children.
What To Know
The celery sticks, offered in various Walmarts across several states, have past their best-by date of March 23, 2025, but the FDA warns that individuals may have stored them in their freezers.
The product’s UPC number is 6 81131 16151 0, and the lot code is P047650. According to the FDA, the celery is packaged in 4-count, 4 in/1.6-ounce bundle packs and is no longer available for sale.
According to the EPA, the advice touched 1,587 cases of celery. As of Thursday, there have been no documented illnesses associated with the caution.
According to the FDA, the voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. products.
What People Are Saying
The FDA statement states, in part: “This advisory is being issued due to the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.” The Georgia Department of Agriculture uncovered the potential for contamination during random sampling at a Georgia shop site, when one of several samples gave a positive test result.”
The FDA stated on its website in January that “Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a type of disease-causing bacteria that can be found in many places, including soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals.” It can live and develop even when refrigerated.
L. monocytogenes can grow in filthy food manufacturing circumstances, contaminating the food. When people consume food contaminated with L. monocytogenes, they risk developing listeriosis.
What Happens Next
Those who purchased this product are advised to discard and not consume the celery.
