Listeria Contamination Prompts Advisory for Marketside Celery Sticks Sold at Walmart

On April 10, 2025, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. announced a precautionary advisory for a specific lot of Marketside Celery Sticks due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is the 4 in/1.6 oz bundle pack, identified by UPC code 6 81131 16151 0 and lot code P047650, with a “Best if Used by” date of March 23, 2025. These celery sticks were distributed to Walmart stores across multiple states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Virginia, among others.​

Understanding Listeria and Its Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.

Regulatory Oversight and Industry Implications

The detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample collected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture underscores the importance of stringent food safety protocols. While the contaminated product is past its “Best if Used by” date and no longer available in stores, consumers may have stored it in freezers. The FDA advises that such products should not be consumed and should be discarded immediately.​

Key Actions for Stakeholders

Manufacturers and Suppliers Should:

• Review and reinforce sanitation and testing protocols to prevent contamination.​
• Ensure accurate record-keeping for traceability in the event of recalls.​

Retailers and Distributors Should:

• Promptly remove affected products from shelves and storage areas.​
• Communicate effectively with consumers regarding recalls and safety advisories.

Conclusion

• This advisory serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety practices. Ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain protects public health and maintains consumer trust.

Need Support?

At MCS Associates, our Food Quality and Safety Experts bring decades of regulatory and operational experience to support businesses navigating the complexities of Canadian food compliance. We specialize in all food commodities. Our team is well-versed in the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and can assist you in reviewing applicable Canadian regulations.

• review and interpret Canadian food labelling regulations under the Food and Drugs Act and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
• Assess and enhance sanitation and testing protocols.
• Conduct traceability audits to ensure rapid response capabilities.
• audit packaging and labelling for accuracy, compliance, and consumer clarity.
• Provide guidance on effective recall communication strategies.
• support label redesign and packaging updates following CFIA expectations.
• train regulatory, marketing, and quality teams on origin claims and labelling best practices.
• assist in drafting compliance communications and preparing responses to CFIA inquiries.

Let’s talk compliance. Contact us today to safeguard your food license and distribution integrity.

To learn more or to request regulatory or quality support, please contact us at: enquiries@mcs-associates.com