Enoki mushrooms, a staple in many Asian households, are facing another recall due to potential health risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of enoki mushroom products produced by Enoki King, a farm located in Ventura, California, due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
In a statement released on the same day, the company indicated that the recall pertains to 5.3-ounce (150-gram) packages of enoki mushrooms, identified by batch number 4877. According to the FDA, these mushrooms were distributed from California to New York and then shipped to retail stores nationwide through produce distributors and wholesalers.
The FDA has warned that these enoki mushrooms might be contaminated with Listeria, a bacteria that can cause severe and potentially fatal infections. This is especially concerning for children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Generally healthy individuals who contract Listeria may experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For pregnant women, Listeria infections can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
As of now, the FDA has stated that there have been no reported illnesses linked to this batch of enoki mushrooms.
The recall was initiated after the Maryland Department of Health detected Listeria in samples of the 5.3-ounce packages of enoki mushrooms. The recalled products are packaged in clear plastic bags labeled “Enoki Mushroom” in both English and French, with the batch number 4877 printed on the front and a UPC barcode (860011505600) on the back.
The FDA advises consumers who purchased these enoki mushrooms to return them for a full refund.
Many in the Asian community have expressed concern over this issue, with some individuals stating that they have refrained from buying enoki mushrooms due to the persistent problems. Additionally, social media users within the community are urging others to ensure that enoki mushrooms are fully cooked before consumption to mitigate any potential health risks.
