Celery sold at Walmart in nearly 30 states recalled over possible listeria contamination

New York Post - Apr 12th, 2025

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of celery sold at Walmarts across nearly 30 states due to potential listeria contamination. The recall was initiated by California-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. after a sample tested positive for listeria during a routine check by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The affected product, Marketside Celery Sticks with UPC code 6 81131 16151 0, has not yet been linked to any reported illnesses. The celery, sold in a four-count package with a sell-by date of March 23, is no longer available for purchase, but consumers who still possess it are advised to discard it immediately. The recall does not affect any other products from Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.

Listeria infection poses severe health risks, particularly to young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, as it can lead to serious illnesses and complications such as miscarriages. This incident highlights the ongoing importance of food safety checks and the potential widespread impact of contamination in the food supply chain. The recall affects consumers in a broad geographic area, including states like California, Texas, and New York, emphasizing the interconnectedness of food distribution networks and the vigilance required to maintain public health safety standards.

Walmart Fda Food Safety Listeria Duda Farm Fresh Foods Celery Recall Contamination Risk

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the critical details of a food recall due to potential listeria contamination, providing accurate and timely information that is crucial for public health. It is well-supported by credible sources and focuses on the facts without bias. The story is clear and accessible, though it could benefit from more detailed transparency regarding testing methodologies and the decision-making process behind the recall. While the article lacks interactive elements that could enhance engagement, it serves its primary purpose of informing the public about a potential health risk. Overall, it is a reliable and informative piece that addresses a significant public interest issue.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the recall of celery sold at Walmart due to possible listeria contamination, as confirmed by the FDA and other sources. The details about the company, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., the positive test result from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the health risks associated with listeria are all factual and supported by reliable sources. The article correctly states that no illnesses have been reported, which aligns with official statements. However, the story could have included more details on how the FDA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture conduct their tests to enhance precision.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the recall, focusing on the facts without inserting opinion or bias. It provides information from both the company's and the FDA's perspectives, ensuring that readers understand the situation's seriousness. However, the article could benefit from including consumer perspectives or expert opinions on the implications of such recalls, which would provide a fuller picture of the issue's impact.

Clarity

The article is written in clear, straightforward language, making it easy to understand. It logically presents the recall's details, from the contamination risk to the specific product information. However, the structure could be improved by dividing the information into more distinct sections or bullet points to enhance readability and comprehension. The tone is neutral, appropriate for conveying factual information about a public health concern.

Source quality

The story cites credible sources such as the FDA and Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., which enhances its reliability. These are authoritative bodies in food safety and industry, providing a strong foundation for the claims made. However, the article does not directly quote any spokespersons or experts, which could have added depth and authority to the reporting. Including a wider variety of sources, such as consumer safety experts, could improve the article's comprehensiveness.

Transparency

The article provides essential information about the recall and the reasons behind it, but it lacks transparency regarding the testing methodologies and the decision-making process of the recall. More details on how the contamination was discovered and the steps taken by the company and FDA to address the issue would enhance transparency. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations of the information sources would further improve transparency.