Enoki Mushrooms Recalled Over Possible Listeria Contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of enoki mushrooms because they might be contaminated with the potentially deadly Listeria monocytogenes, while the authorities linked the product to four deaths and 30 hospitalizations across the United States. (FDA)FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of enoki mushrooms because they might be contaminated with the potentially deadly Listeria monocytogenes, while authorities linked the mushrooms to four deaths and 30 hospitalizations across the United States.

Sun Hong Foods recalled the mushrooms Monday over the listeria concerns.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said four deaths were reported in New Jersey, Hawaii, and California. The agency said 36 people have been sickened in 17 states, adding that six cases involved pregnant women, of whom two had miscarriages.

“Do not eat, serve, or sell any recalled enoki mushrooms distributed by Sun Hong Foods, Inc.” the CDC wrote on its website.

The CDC said the enoki mushrooms from Sun Hong Foods were sold in 7.05-ounce, or 200-gram, clear plastic bags with a green label.

“Product of Korea” is labeled on the front, and “Sun Hong Foods, Inc.” is labeled on the back of the packaging beneath the bar code, says the CDC. They have the UPC code: 7 426852 625810.

“Check your refrigerator for recalled enoki mushrooms. Return them to the purchase location or throw them away,” according to the agency. “Do not eat any food made with recalled enoki mushrooms, even if some were consumed and no one became sick.”

The CDC noted, however, that Sun Hong Foods’ enoki mushrooms are not the only source for the listeria outbreak. The FDA is investigating the source of the mushrooms distributed by the firm to see if other companies used the same source.

According to the FDA’s website, the Sun Hong Foods mushrooms were distributed in California, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Florida, and Oregon.