Walmart Broth Recall Update as FDA Sets Risk Level
Broth sold in Walmart in nine U.S. states has been recalled and given a “Class II” risk level by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Great Value Chicken Broth was recalled by TreeHouse Foods, Inc., British Columbia, Canada, due to potential for packaging failures that could compromise the sterility of the product, resulting in spoilage.
The recall was initiated on December 11, 2024, and the risk classification was set on January 21, 2025.
According to the FDA’s website, a “Class II” recall means: “A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
A file photo of a jar of chicken broth surrounded by fresh vegetables.
Madeleine_Steinbach/iStock / Getty Images Plus
A spokesperson for TreeHouse Foods told Newsweek: “TreeHouse Foods initiated a voluntary recall for a limited number of cases of one broth item produced for a single customer at our Cambridge, Maryland, facility.
“This recall of three pallets of product was initiated due to a potential seal issue, identified during production, that may cause spoilage of the product. Product impacted by the potential seal issue was held and destroyed, and there have been no complaints or illnesses associated with this recall.
“It is normal to have occasional deviations during production that can cause an out-of-specification result. This recall was not due to the packaging materials, but due to an internal procedural error that has been corrected.”
If packaging is compromised, bacteria, yeasts and molds can contaminate food products, compromising quality and safety.
Sometimes we can tell that food has spoiled, from how it looks, tastes or feels in our mouths, but other times differences may be undetectable but still potentially harmful.
The broth was sold in Walmart stores in nine U.S. states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
The broth had “best if used by” dates of March 25, 2026, and the lot code “98F09234” printed on the packaging.
There were two possible—almost identical—unique product codes (UPC) too; the retail unit UPC was “007874206684” and the case UPC was “078742066844.”
This is not the only recall recently issued by TreeHouse Foods. Various gluten-free organic waffles, sold under Nature’s Path brand but manufactured by Tree House Foods, were recalled in October.
This is because the waffles may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that can cause serious or life-threatening infections in some people.
A spokesperson for TreeHouse Foods previously told Newsweek in an email: “In October 2024, TreeHouse Foods announced a voluntary recall of all griddle products manufactured at our Brantford, Ontario, Canada facility.
“The frozen toaster waffle, Belgian waffle and pancake products were recalled due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
“We have no confirmed reports of illness or injury linked to the recalled products. As of January 2025, the Brantford facility has undergone a hygienic restoration and is once again producing griddle products for our customers.”
Sriracha chili sauce was recalled in December by Mr. Bing Foods Inc. over fears the hot sauce had been contaminated with spoilage organisms.
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Updated 01/24/25 at 9:35 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from a TreeHouse Foods spokesperson.
