Walmart Recalls Over 12,000 Cartons of Chicken Broth Due to Packaging Concerns

Walmart has issued an urgent recall of over 12,000 cartons of its Great Value brand chicken broth due to concerns over potential packaging failures. This issue could lead to compromised product sterility, increasing the risk of spoilage and potential health hazards. Customers in several states are being advised to check their purchases and follow safety protocols to ensure their well-being.

Details of the Recall

The recall involves Walmart’s Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth, packaged in 48-ounce cartons. The affected products bear the following identifying details:

UPC Code: 007874206684

Best By Date: March 25, 2026

Number of Units Recalled: 12,138 cartons

States Affected: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas

The recall was initiated on December 11, 2024, with a public notice published on the FDA’s website on January 8, 2025.

Reason for the Recall

Walmart has stated that the recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution due to potential packaging defects. These defects may compromise the sterility of the product, leading to spoilage. Spoiled chicken broth can pose serious risks to consumers, including foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria or other contaminants.

While no illnesses have been reported as of now, Walmart and the FDA are urging customers to exercise caution and take immediate action if they have purchased the affected product.

What Consumers Should Do

If you have purchased the Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth, here’s what you need to do:

Check the Packaging: Confirm whether the carton matches the UPC code and best-by date listed above.

Do Not Consume: If your product is part of the recall, do not consume it, even if it appears safe.

Dispose or Return: Customers can either dispose of the product or return it to their local Walmart store for a full refund.

Monitor Your Health: If you have already consumed the product and experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort, seek medical attention immediately.

Walmart’s Response

Walmart has taken swift action to address the situation. The company has worked with its suppliers to remove the affected products from store shelves in the impacted regions.

In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson said, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we initiated this recall and removed all affected products from our stores. We continue to work closely with the supplier to investigate the cause of the packaging defect and ensure this does not happen again.”

No Reported Illnesses

As of now, there have been no confirmed cases of illness related to the recalled chicken broth. However, the company and the FDA are urging consumers to remain vigilant. Food safety experts emphasize that even if a product seems intact, compromised packaging can lead to bacterial growth that may not be immediately noticeable.

The Bigger Picture: Food Safety in Focus

This recall comes amid growing concerns about food safety, particularly in pre-packaged products. In recent months, there have been several large-scale recalls, including issues with ready-to-eat meats, frozen vegetables, and other household staples. The Great Value chicken broth recall is a reminder of the importance of vigilance, both from manufacturers and consumers.

Food recalls are not uncommon, but they are critical in preventing larger health crises. Packaging defects, such as those suspected in this case, can occur during production or distribution and may affect a product’s ability to remain sterile over time.

How to Stay Informed

Consumers are encouraged to stay updated on recalls by regularly checking the FDA’s website or signing up for alerts. Retailers like Walmart also post recall notices on their websites and in-store locations.

For more information on this recall, customers can visit Walmart’s official recall page or contact their customer service team. Additionally, the FDA offers detailed information and guidance for handling recalled products on its website.

Conclusion

The recall of Walmart’s Great Value chicken broth underscores the importance of food safety and quick action to prevent potential health risks. While no illnesses have been reported, the recall highlights the need for consumers to stay informed and vigilant about the products they bring into their homes.

Walmart’s response, which includes removing the product from shelves and offering refunds, reflects its commitment to customer safety. However, this incident serves as a broader reminder of the importance of robust quality control processes in the food industry.

For now, customers in the affected states are urged to check their kitchen shelves and take action if they find the recalled product. By staying proactive, consumers can help protect their health and ensure that food safety remains a top priority.