A new recall of ready-to-eat celery sticks sold at Walmart stores across 29 U.S. states and Washington D.C. has raised alarm over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The voluntary recall, initiated by Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., affects specific lots of Marketside-branded celery products shipped to Walmart stores. Health officials emphasize discarding affected products, even if frozen, to prevent potential infections.
Overview of the recall
On April 10, 2025, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. recalled products voluntarily after a sample of Marketside Celery Sticks tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in routine testing carried out by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The contamination was found through random sampling at a Georgia store location, and the Florida-based produce company immediately took action. The company shipped approximately 1,587 cases of the product to Walmart stores, but as of April 14, 2025, no illnesses have been reported.
The recall highlights ongoing challenge in monitoring food safety, particularly for ready-to-eat foods that do not undergo additional cooking steps before being consumed. While the recalled celery sticks are past their March 23, 2025, “best if used by” date, health officials warn that consumers may have stored the product in freezers, where bacteria can live.
Affected products and distribution
The recall is for a single production lot of Marketside Celery Sticks, a Walmart store brand. Some of the identifying characteristics include:
- Product name: Washed & Ready-to-Eat Marketside Celery Sticks (4-inch/1.6 oz pack bundle)
- UPC code: 6 81131 16151 0
- Lot code: P047650
- Best if used by date: March 23, 2025.
They were sold in Walmart stores in 29 states and Washington D.C., from Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The full list of affected states can be accessed in the FDA’s recall notice.
Health risks posed by listeria contamination
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium capable of causing severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborn infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Listeriosis presents with clinical signs of high fever, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, infections may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or infants with life-threatening illnesses.
The CDC estimates 1,600 listeriosis cases annually in the U.S., with a mortality rate of 20–30% among high-risk groups. In contrast to most foodborne pathogens, Listeria can proliferate at refrigerated temperatures, and frozen contaminated products therefore represent a persistent risk.
Consumer actions and recommendations
Consumers with the recalled celery sticks should:
- Immediately discard the product, even if frozen.
- Check packaging for the UPC code, lot code, and best-by date.
- Call Duda Farm Fresh Foods at (844) 551-5995 or on their Duda Farm Fresh Foods website for refunds.
Retailers have removed the affected batch from store shelves, but consumers who purchased the product before March 23 should inspect their purchases. The FDA advises thorough washing of surfaces and containers that may have been exposed to the celery to prevent cross-contamination.
Company response and regulatory oversight
Duda Farm Fresh Foods has cooperated fully with the FDA and state officials to trace the source of the contamination. In a statement, the firm restated its commitment to food safety and appreciated the Georgia Department of Agriculture for identifying the issue. The FDA has labeled this as a Class II recall, indicating a slight chance of negative health consequences but justifying caution.
This incident follows recent recalls of other food products, underlining the necessity for stringent supply chain management. Health authorities still advocate aggressive consumer vigilance, particularly with ready-to-eat foods without further cooking procedures.
The Marketside Celery Sticks recall serves as a stark reminder of the loopholes in food manufacturing processes and the necessity for regulatory testing. While no illnesses have been reported in relation to this incident, listeriosis’ severity potential calls for heightened consumer awareness. Consumers should continue to be attentive to FDA alerts and immediately discard recalled products to avert health repercussions.
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