Walmart Celery Listeria Recall: Current Status & Safety Guide

As of today, there is no active Walmart celery Listeria recall according to the FDA and CDC databases. The most recent celery-related recall occurred in January 2024 when Mann Packing recalled celery products distributed to Walmart and other retailers due to potential Listeria contamination. Consumers who purchased celery with specific product codes between December 2023 and January 2024 should check for affected items and discard them immediately if found.

Understanding the Recent Walmart Celery Listeria Recall Situation

Food safety concerns hit close to home when potential contamination issues arise with common grocery items. If you've recently searched for "Walmart celery Listeria recall," you're likely concerned about your family's safety and whether your recent purchases might be affected. Let's clarify the current situation with verified facts from authoritative sources.

Latest Recall Information: What You Need to Know Now

While there's no active celery recall at Walmart as of today, it's important to understand the most recent incident that prompted these concerns. In January 2024, Mann Packing issued a voluntary recall of celery products that were distributed to Walmart stores across multiple states. This action was taken after routine testing by the FDA detected potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in celery samples.

Recall Element	Details
Recall Date	January 18, 2024
Affected Products	16oz celery hearts (UPC 0 71430 01887 0) and 10oz celery hearts (UPC 0 71430 01886 3)
Production Dates	December 19-26, 2023
Distribution Areas	AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI
Reason for Recall	Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination

Immediate Action Steps for Consumers

If you purchased celery from Walmart during December 2023 or January 2024, follow these critical steps:

• Check your refrigerator for celery products matching the UPC codes mentioned above
• Examine packaging dates - products with "Best By" dates of December 29, 2023 through January 4, 2024 were affected
• Do not consume any potentially affected products - Listeria can cause serious illness
• Discard immediately in a sealed container to prevent others from accidentally consuming
• Request refunds at Walmart customer service with proof of purchase

Understanding Listeria Risks: Why This Recall Matters

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, unlike many other foodborne pathogens. According to the CDC, Listeria causes approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths each year in the United States.

Certain populations face higher risks from Listeria infection:

• Pregnant women (10 times higher risk)
• Adults aged 65+
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after consumption and may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms but face serious risks to their pregnancy.

How Food Recalls Work: The Process Behind the Headlines

Understanding the recall process helps consumers assess the seriousness of food safety alerts. The FDA classifies recalls into three categories based on health risk:

1. Class I - Situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death
2. Class II - Situation where use of the product might cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences
3. Class III - Situation where exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences

The recent celery recall was classified as Class I due to Listeria's potential to cause severe illness in vulnerable populations. This classification triggers immediate action from retailers like Walmart to remove products from shelves and notify customers.

Staying Informed About Future Recalls

To protect yourself from future food safety issues, implement these proactive measures:

• Sign up for FDA recall alerts at fda.gov/recalls
• Check Walmart's recall page weekly for updates on affected products
• Use the FoodKeeper app from USDA to track expiration dates of perishables
• Register loyalty cards at grocery stores to receive direct recall notifications
• Photograph receipts for perishable items to verify purchase dates if recalls occur

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you've consumed potentially contaminated celery and experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Mention your potential Listeria exposure, as specific testing is required for diagnosis. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent severe complications, especially for high-risk individuals.

According to the CDC, prompt medical attention is crucial if you experience:

• Fever and muscle aches following celery consumption
• Neurological symptoms like headache or stiff neck
• Pregnancy complications including fever and flu-like symptoms

How Retailers Handle Food Safety Incidents

Major retailers like Walmart have sophisticated food safety protocols. When contamination is detected, they typically:

1. Immediately remove affected products from shelves
2. Trace distribution channels to identify all potentially affected stores
3. Notify customers through multiple channels (in-store signage, website alerts, email)
4. Cooperate with regulatory agencies like the FDA and CDC
5. Implement enhanced testing protocols for future shipments

Walmart's food safety team works closely with suppliers to prevent future incidents. Their current standards require third-party audits of all fresh produce suppliers and random pathogen testing of incoming shipments.

Preventing Foodborne Illness at Home

While recalls address specific incidents, practicing good food safety habits reduces your overall risk:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling fresh produce
• Clean cutting boards and countertops after preparing raw produce
• Store celery in the crisper drawer at proper refrigerator temperature (40°F or below)
• Consume fresh produce within recommended timeframes
• When in doubt, throw it out - don't risk foodborne illness

Additional Resources for Food Safety Information

For the most current information on food recalls and safety alerts, consult these authoritative sources:

• FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts
• CDC Listeria Information Page
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Recalls
• Walmart Food Recall Information

Is there currently an active Walmart celery Listeria recall?

As of today, there is no active Walmart celery Listeria recall. The most recent incident was a January 2024 recall of specific Mann Packing celery products distributed to Walmart stores. Consumers should check for products with UPC 0 71430 01887 0 (16oz) and 0 71430 01886 3 (10oz) with production dates between December 19-26, 2023.

How can I tell if my Walmart celery is part of the recall?

Check the UPC code on the packaging (0 71430 01887 0 for 16oz or 0 71430 01886 3 for 10oz) and the 'Best By' date (December 29, 2023 through January 4, 2024). Affected products were sold in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

What are the symptoms of Listeria infection from contaminated celery?

Listeria symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after consumption and include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms but face serious risks to their pregnancy including miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in newborns.

What should I do if I purchased recalled celery from Walmart?

Immediately discard the product in a sealed container to prevent others from consuming it. Contact Walmart customer service with your receipt for a full refund. If you've consumed the product and experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and mention potential Listeria exposure.

How can I stay informed about future food recalls at Walmart?

Sign up for FDA recall alerts at fda.gov/recalls, check Walmart's recall page weekly, use the USDA FoodKeeper app to track expiration dates, and register your loyalty card with Walmart to receive direct recall notifications. You can also follow the CDC's food safety updates on their website.