Broccoli Florets Recalled Across Canada Over Salmonella Risk: What You Need to Know

Canadian Broccoli Recall: Salmonella Concerns Spark Nationwide Alert

In late November 2025, Canadians from coast to coast woke up to news that seemed, at first, almost routine: a vegetable recall. But as details emerged, it became clear this was more than a simple shelf shuffle. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a sweeping recall of Your Fresh Market Broccoli Florets, warning consumers in six provinces to steer clear of a specific batch due to the risk of Salmonella contamination.

Which Broccoli Is Affected—and Where?

The recall is laser-focused on a single product: a 907-gram clear plastic bag of Your Fresh Market Broccoli Florets, distinguished by a pink banner at the top and bottom and a white banner with pink lettering. The UPC is 6 27735 27054 8, and the lot number is 25318, with a best-before date of November 26, 2025. If you’re in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, this recall is for you. The product was sold at the retail level across these provinces, and the CFIA urges consumers to check their fridges and pantries immediately.

Why the Recall? Tracing the Salmonella Threat

The CFIA’s routine inspection activities first flagged the risk, prompting immediate testing. When those tests revealed possible Salmonella contamination, the agency pulled the trigger on the recall. For now, there have been no reported illnesses linked to this batch of broccoli, but officials aren’t taking chances. Salmonella can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems—a risk not to be taken lightly.

In the words of the CFIA, consumers should not eat, use, sell, or distribute the recalled broccoli. Even cooking isn’t a guaranteed safeguard; the potential for cross-contamination means the safest option is to discard the product. Experts recommend double-bagging before disposal or returning it to the store for a refund.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have this product at home, here’s what officials advise:

• Do not eat it—even if you plan to cook it.
• Dispose of it securely, double-bagged, or return it to the store for a refund.
• If you consumed the broccoli, especially raw, monitor yourself for symptoms of Salmonella infection for up to a week.

Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Most healthy people recover without treatment, but those with vulnerable immune systems should seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Broader Context: Pistachio Recall Adds to Concern

This broccoli recall isn’t happening in isolation. The CFIA also flagged a wide-ranging recall of pistachios and pistachio-containing products from multiple brands, including Habibi and Almondena. The outbreak has been traced to imported pistachios from Iran, and the list of affected products runs long—raw nuts, spreads, confections, and more. While the pistachio issue is separate, it highlights a broader challenge for Canadian food safety: imported foods and the complexity of tracing contamination across borders.

For now, Canadian consumers face a dual warning: check both your produce and pantry staples, and stay tuned for updates from the CFIA.

What’s Next? Ongoing Investigation and Updates

The CFIA is not closing the book on this recall. The agency continues to investigate and may issue further alerts if necessary. Consumers are encouraged to consult the CFIA’s official website for the latest information, including photographs of affected products and updated lists of recalled items.

As of now, Fresh Taste Produce Ltd.—the company behind Your Fresh Market Broccoli Florets—reports no illnesses, but the situation remains fluid. The rapid response, triggered by proactive inspection, demonstrates the Canadian system’s commitment to public health. Still, recalls like this are reminders of the invisible risks lurking in everyday groceries.

Behind the Scenes: How Recalls Work

When a food product is flagged for contamination, the CFIA follows a strict protocol: identify the source, trace distribution, alert retailers, and inform the public. The agency works with producers, importers, and local health officials to ensure affected products are removed from shelves and that consumers are informed promptly. In this case, the process worked as intended: routine inspection led to testing, testing led to recall, and consumers were notified before any illnesses occurred.

For families across Canada, these alerts are more than bureaucratic formalities—they’re crucial for keeping dinner tables safe.

Staying Safe: Prevention and Response

If you or someone you know has consumed the recalled broccoli and experiences symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. While most Salmonella cases resolve on their own, severe illness can require hospitalization, particularly for the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised. The key is vigilance: pay attention to recall notices, check product codes, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

For businesses, the message is equally clear. Retailers and distributors must ensure all affected products are removed from inventory and that customers are informed about returns and refunds. The collaborative effort between the CFIA, producers, and stores forms the backbone of Canada’s food safety network.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Canadian Consumers

This recall, while not linked to any reported illnesses yet, is a stark reminder that food safety depends on transparency, rapid response, and public cooperation. It’s a story of vigilance—of inspectors spotting a risk, of agencies moving quickly, and of consumers playing their part by heeding warnings.

As Canada moves into the winter months, the broccoli recall is a prompt to check what’s in your fridge, read labels closely, and remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility—from farm to fork.

Analysis: The swift, coordinated recall of broccoli florets across Canada illustrates the effectiveness of the nation’s food safety system. By acting before any illnesses occurred, the CFIA, Fresh Taste Produce Ltd., and local retailers demonstrated a commitment to public health that should reassure consumers. Still, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges of monitoring imported and domestic foods for contamination—and the need for continued vigilance in a globalized food supply chain.