- Recall Date: April 10, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on April 10, 2025
- Brand: Marketside
- Product Recalled: Washed & Ready-to-Eat Celery Sticks (4 in / 1.6 oz bundles)
- Issue: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
- Details: Product sold at Walmart, with UPC 6 81131 16151 0, best if used by 03/23/2025
- Action Needed: Discard if in possession, especially if frozen
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading
What happened?
On April 10, 2025, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. issued a voluntary recall for 1,587 cases of its Marketside Celery Sticks, citing potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes—a bacteria you don’t want in your fridge (or freezer).
The advisory comes after the Georgia Department of Agriculture discovered a positive Listeria test result during routine sampling at a Walmart store. Though the celery sticks are no longer on shelves, they may still be hiding in home freezers, posing a risk to consumers.
Here’s the affected product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Marketside | Celery Sticks (bundle) | 4 in / 1.6 oz | 6 81131 16151 0 | 03/23/2025 | Listeria risk |
What caused the issue?
This recall stems from a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes, detected during routine random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture at a Walmart store. While only one of several samples tested positive, that was enough for Duda Farm Fresh Foods to issue a precautionary recall of the affected celery stick lot. And it’s a good thing, too—because Listeria is no joke.
Why is Listeria monocytogenes dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can thrive in cold environments, like your fridge or freezer. Unlike many bacteria, Listeria doesn’t mind the chill—making it a serious threat in ready-to-eat and refrigerated products.
Listeria infections (aka listeriosis) are rare but potentially life-threatening, especially in vulnerable populations. The bacteria can cause severe complications such as:
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Miscarriage or stillbirth (in pregnant women)
Who is most at risk?
- Pregnant women (can pass the infection to unborn babies)
- Older adults (65+)
- People with weakened immune systems (including cancer patients, transplant recipients, etc.)
- Infants and young children
Symptoms to watch for:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches or stiffness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- In severe cases: confusion, loss of balance, seizures
Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 4 weeks of eating contaminated food—but in some cases, they may not show up for as long as 70 days.
10 common questions you might have
1. I already ate the celery sticks—should I be worried?
If you’re healthy and have no symptoms, you’re likely fine. But if you’re pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, consult your doctor right away—even without symptoms.
2. What does Listeria do to pregnant women?
It can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns—even if the mother has mild symptoms.
3. Can I just wash the celery again to make it safe?
Nope. Washing won’t remove Listeria. Once it’s in the product, especially if it’s been refrigerated, the bacteria can survive and even multiply.
4. What does the affected product look like?
It’s a 4 in / 1.6 oz Marketside celery stick bundle, sold in bags with UPC 6 81131 16151 0 and Best if Used by Date 03/23/2025. Look for Lot Code P047650.
5. What stores sold this product?
It was sold in Walmart stores across 30+ states, including CA, TX, FL, NY, and others.
6. Is the product still on shelves?
Nope! The “Best if Used by” date has passed (03/23/2025), and stores have already removed it. But frozen leftovers could still be in consumers’ homes.
7. Are there any confirmed cases of illness?
As of now, no illnesses have been reported. This recall is a precautionary measure.
8. What should I do if I find this in my freezer?
Toss it in the trash immediately. Don’t consume it. Wash any containers or surfaces it touched with hot, soapy water.
9. Can I get a refund or replacement?
Duda hasn’t mentioned refunds, but you can email their food safety team at [email protected] for help.
10. Are other Marketside or Duda products affected?
No—this recall is limited to one specific lot of celery sticks. No other Duda Farm Fresh Foods products are included.
Here’s what you should do
Found these green guys chilling in your freezer? Here’s what to do:
- Do NOT consume the celery sticks
- Check for UPC 6 81131 16151 0 and Best if Used by Date 03/23/2025
- Look for Lot Code P047650 on the front of the bag
- Dispose of the product immediately
- Contact Duda’s food safety team at [email protected] for questions
Behind the brand
Based in Oxnard, California, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has been a key player in the fresh produce industry. Known for supplying Walmart under the Marketside label, the company takes food safety seriously, which is why this recall was issued as a precautionary advisory—a proactive move in the absence of any reported illnesses.
Previous recalls from the industry with similar causes include:
- On March 11, 2025, New Age International Inc. issued a recall for all lots of its Daily Veggies brand Enoki Mushrooms due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- On March 4, 2025, Willow Marsh Farm issued a voluntary recall of its unpasteurized raw milk after testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
“Food safety must always be front and center—especially when it comes to fresh, ready-to-eat produce like celery sticks. While convenience is key for consumers, the potential dangers of pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes shouldn’t be underestimated. To keep the public safe and trust intact, producers need to follow rigorous safety standards, communicate clearly when issues arise, and ensure all handling practices are airtight. Clean, safe, and high-quality ingredients should always be the benchmark in this industry.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
While Duda’s celery recall is isolated, it highlights an ongoing industry challenge with Listeria contamination in ready-to-eat produce.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall reminds us why robust quality assurance and supplier transparency matter. Whether you’re sourcing snack packs, fresh-cut vegetables, or private label goods, a contamination scare—even from a single store sample—can ripple through the supply chain.
For manufacturers, co-packers, and private label buyers, the takeaway is clear:
- Audit your suppliers regularly
- Monitor recalls weekly
- Always verify batch tracking, especially for perishable goods
Quick recap
If you’ve got Marketside Celery Sticks with a 03/23/2025 date hiding in the freezer, toss ‘em.
Stay informed and lean on trusted suppliers for safe, reliable ingredients.
For more recall insights and to source high-quality, vetted ingredients—contact our team at Source86. We’re here to help keep your supply chain safe and steady.
