Enoki mushroom packages have been recalled by Enoki King Mushroom Farm owing to fears of possible listeria contamination, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall affects lot 4877 of the farm’s 5.3-ounce packages of Enoki mushrooms, which were sold in California and New York and distributed across the US through wholesalers and retailers, according to a report in US Today.
While no illnesses have been reported so far, traces of listeria in the samples was found by Maryland State Department of Health. People who purchased the said products marked with lot code 4877 and UPC code 860011505600 have been requested to return them immediately for a full refund. The mushrooms are sold in clear plastic packaging labeled “Enoki Mushroom” in English and French.
What is Enoki Mushroom?
Enoki mushrooms are a long, thin, white mushroom with a mild flavor and crunchy texture. They are popular in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines. Typically sold in clusters, they are used in soups, stir-fries, salads, among other dishes. They have a mild, earthy, slightly sweet taste. When lightly cooked, they remain crunchy but become chewier when cooked for longer.
How Enoki Mushrooms can cause listeria
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a public advisory regarding handling of imported raw Enoki mushrooms. They are usually cooked, but sometimes served raw in some recipes. The advisory noted that since 2020, the CFIA has recalled several brands of imported raw Enoki mushrooms from South Korea and China due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). Food contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. While many people are exposed to Listeria bacteria, only some will become ill with listeriosis.
Precautions to keep in mind
It is advisable to buy raw Enoki mushrooms from the refrigerated section at the grocery store.
Immediately refrigerate raw Enoki mushrooms at 4°C (40°F) or below, as soon as you get home from the grocery store.
Do not mix raw Enoki mushrooms with other cooked food to avoid potential cross-contamination and prevent the spread of bacteria, if present.
Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw Enoki mushrooms. Also, wash utensils, countertops, and cutting boards before and after handling raw Enoki mushrooms.
Eating raw or undercooked Enoki mushrooms can make people sick. Cooking them at 70°C for at least 2 minutes makes them safe for consumption.
People who are pregnant, aged 60 or older or have a weakened immune system are more vulnerable to Listeria and should only eat thoroughly cooked Enoki mushrooms.
Listeria symptoms
Listeria monocytogenes are present in soil and water and they contaminate the food via these sources or through infected animals. Listeria can thrive in cold environments such as refrigerators which may increase the risk of contamination in refrigerated foods.
Fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues are reported in listeria. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or septicemia, posing heightened risks to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
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