Walmart recalls over 12,000 cartons of chicken broth amid spoilage fears
- Walmart recalled over 12,000 cartons of chicken broth sold in nine states due to compromised packaging.
- The recall, affecting 242 stores, was announced by the FDA in January 2024 after Walmart took action in December.
- Customers are advised to discard the product for safety, with refunds offered, highlighting Walmart’s commitment to food safety.
In December 2023, Walmart initiated a recall of over 12,000 cartons of its Great Value brand chicken broth due to concerns that the product's packaging may have been compromised. This recall affected around 2,023 cases, each containing six cartons, impacting a total of 242 stores across nine states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the recall in early January 2024, indicating that the containers in question had been sold until March 2026, which raised concerns about the sterility and potential spoilage of the broth. The company noted that the recall was a proactive measure after discovering possible packaging failures that could lead to spoilage. Although the issue was serious enough to warrant a recall, there were no reported illnesses linked to the consumption of the affected chicken broth. Walmart has communicated with customers who purchased the product, advising them to discard any remaining broth and offering a full refund. The swift response from Walmart showcases its commitment to customer safety and regulatory compliance as they work with their supplier to investigate the extent of the issue. The announcement indicated that the broth’s shelf life was originally until March 2026. However, the integrity of the packaging came into question, leading to this significant recall action. The FDA published details of the recall on its website on January 8, 2024, following Walmart's initial actions taken in December. The recall is part of a broader effort by grocery stores to ensure food safety, highlighting the importance of packaging standards in preventing health risks for consumers. As a result of this incident, Walmart urges customers to remain vigilant regarding food safety and urged those who may have purchased the recalled items to dispose of them. The company reassured customers that the health and safety of consumers is a top priority, and they will continue to investigate the supplier's practices to mitigate future risks. This recall serves as a reminder of the food safety checks necessary to avoid potential contamination and spoilage issues that can affect consumer health.