broccoli florets recall canada

Your Fresh Market Broccoli Florets Recalled Across Canada Due to Salmonella Risk

By CA Journal - National Food Safety Report Updated: November 29, 2025

A significant food safety alert has been issued for consumers across Canada, specifically targeting a popular frozen vegetable product found in freezers nationwide. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of "Your Fresh Market" brand broccoli florets due to potential Salmonella contamination.

This recall affects multiple provinces and serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety protocols within the supply chain. For Canadian households relying on frozen vegetables for convenience and nutrition, this news necessitates a immediate check of their freezer inventory.

The Recall Alert: What You Need to Know

The core of the issue lies in the detection of Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

According to official reports from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and verified by CityNews Toronto, the recall specifically targets 900-gram bags of Your Fresh Market brand broccoli florets. The product is manufactured by Fresh Taste Produce Ltd., a key supplier in the Canadian produce market.

The recall was triggered by CFIA testing results, which indicated the presence of the bacteria in a sample of the product. While the specific testing location or batch number triggering the event has not been detailed in the initial public release, the scope of the recall is broad, suggesting a precautionary measure to ensure public safety across distribution networks.

"The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is recalling packages of broccoli florets due to possible Salmonella contamination. Officials say the 900 g bags of Your Fresh Market brand of florets from Fresh Taste Produce Ltd." — CityNews Toronto

Product Details for Consumers

If you have purchased frozen broccoli recently, it is vital to identify the specific product involved. The details are as follows:

• Brand: Your Fresh Market
• Product: Broccoli Florets
• Size: 900 grams
• Distributor: Fresh Taste Produce Ltd.
• Hazard: Possible Salmonella contamination

The CFIA has classified the hazard level as "Class 2," which generally implies a moderate risk of serious adverse health consequences.

Geographic Scope and Distribution

This is not an isolated incident affecting a single grocery store. The recall has been rolled out across a wide swath of the Canadian map. INsauga reports that the vegetable product has been recalled across Canada, with specific distribution confirmed in six key provinces.

The affected regions include: * Ontario * Quebec * Nova Scotia * New Brunswick * Prince Edward Island * Newfoundland and Labrador

This widespread distribution highlights the interconnected nature of Canada’s food supply. A single batch issue in a processing facility can ripple outward, reaching grocery shelves from the Greater Toronto Area to the Atlantic provinces. Consumers in these regions are urged to check their freezers immediately.

Understanding the Risks of Salmonella

To understand the gravity of this recall, it is helpful to look at the biology of the pathogen involved. Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the world.

While frozen vegetables are generally considered safe because the freezing process inhibits bacterial growth, it does not necessarily kill all bacteria. If the broccoli was contaminated during the harvesting or processing phase before freezing, the bacteria can survive and potentially multiply if the product is thawed or improperly handled.

Symptoms and Vulnerable Groups

Healthy adults infected with Salmonella often develop fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other places in the body, requiring antibiotic treatment.

The danger is highest for: * Children under 5 years old * Adults over 65 * People with compromised immune systems (due to cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, or organ transplants)

Immediate Actions and Consumer Safety

The CFIA is actively monitoring the effectiveness of this recall. In its advisory, the agency is clear about what consumers should do with the affected product.

Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled product. If you possess a bag of Your Fresh Market broccoli florets, you should: 1. Verify the label: Check if the product matches the 900g size and brand exactly. 2. Dispose of it or return it: You can throw the product away in a way that prevents others from retrieving it, or return it to the location where you purchased it for a refund. 3. Wash your hands: If you have handled the package, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The Role of the CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency acts as the federal regulator responsible for food safety. Their involvement in this recall is standard procedure following positive test results or reports of illness. As noted in reports from The Globe and Mail, the CFIA has the authority to order mandatory recalls to protect public health.

Contextual Background: Frozen Vegetable Safety

While this recall is concerning, it is not without precedent. The frozen vegetable industry has faced scrutiny in the past for similar issues. In 2016, a massive recall involving frozen vegetables produced by CRF Frozen Foods in the United States affected numerous brands in Canada due to Listeria concerns.

Why Does This Happen?

Contamination in frozen vegetables usually occurs during the initial harvesting or processing phases. Broccoli grows close to the ground and can be exposed to bacteria from soil, water, or animal waste. While washing and blanching (a heat treatment) are standard steps in preparing frozen broccoli, they may not always eliminate 100% of pathogens if the initial contamination load is high.

The recall of Your Fresh Market brand broccoli florets serves as a reminder of the rigorous testing standards in place. The fact that the CFIA caught this issue demonstrates the system working to intercept contaminated food before it leads to widespread illness.

Future Outlook: What This Means for the Industry

This event will likely have short-term implications for Fresh Taste Produce Ltd. and the retailers carrying the Your Fresh Market brand. We can expect:

1. Internal Audits: The company will likely conduct a thorough review of their supply chain, specifically looking at their washing and blanching processes, to identify the contamination point.
2. Consumer Confidence: There may be a temporary dip in consumer confidence regarding this specific brand, leading shoppers to purchase generic store-brand frozen broccoli in the coming weeks.
3. Regulatory Scrutiny: The CFIA may increase the frequency of inspections at the facility involved until they are satisfied that the issue has been resolved.

The Importance of Vigilance

For the Canadian consumer, this recall reinforces the habit of checking food alerts. The CFIA maintains a robust database of food recalls, which is regularly updated. In our fast-paced lives, where frozen vegetables are a staple for quick, healthy meals, staying informed is the best defense against foodborne illness.

Conclusion

The recall of Your Fresh Market broccoli florets is a developing story in Canadian food safety. With confirmed distribution across six provinces and a verified risk of Salmonella, the situation requires immediate attention from consumers in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces.

While the health risk is significant for vulnerable populations, the recall system has functioned as intended to mitigate the danger. By adhering to the CFIA's advice to dispose of or return the affected product, Canadians can ensure their safety while regulators work to resolve the source of the contamination.

This article is based on verified reports from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, CityNews Toronto, INsauga, and The Globe and Mail. For the most current information on food recalls, please visit the official CFIA website.