A nationwide recall has been issued for enoki mushrooms due to potential Listeria contamination, raising serious health concerns for consumers.
At a Glance
- Harvest NYC Inc. recalls 200g enoki mushrooms for Listeria risk
- Products distributed nationwide by Hofood99 Inc.
- Consumers advised to destroy or return affected packages
- Listeria poses severe health risks, especially to vulnerable groups
- No illnesses reported related to this recall as of now
Nationwide Recall Issued for Enoki Mushrooms
Harvest NYC Inc., a Brooklyn-based company, has voluntarily recalled its 200-gram packages of enoki mushrooms after a sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The mushrooms were distributed nationwide through Hofood99 Inc. and sold in green plastic packaging labeled with the UPC code 6975730520101. The contaminated batch was discovered during routine sampling at a store in Buffalo, New York, according to the FDA alert published via AOL News.
The recall applies to mushrooms purchased between January 11 and January 31, 2025. The FDA urges consumers to either destroy the mushrooms or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Officials emphasized the urgency of the warning due to the serious risks posed by Listeria, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause severe illness. While healthy individuals may only suffer short-term symptoms including high fever, nausea, and diarrhea, the infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or fatal complications in immunocompromised people. As noted in the FDA advisory shared by Fox News, the contamination risk is being taken extremely seriously despite no confirmed illnesses to date.
The FDA’s directive—”urged to destroy the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund”—underscores the importance of immediate consumer action to minimize exposure.
A Troubling Pattern in Mushroom Safety
This isn’t the first time enoki mushrooms have come under scrutiny. In prior months, similar recalls involving other brands like New Age International Inc.’s Daily Veggies line were prompted by Listeria contamination fears. These repeated incidents suggest a broader issue in food safety protocols within the enoki mushroom supply chain.
Though enoki mushrooms are a beloved ingredient in many Asian dishes, known for their crisp texture and nutritional value, their history of contamination continues to rattle consumer trust. The recurring recalls call for more stringent oversight and transparent production practices across the industry.
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed, check product UPCs carefully, and follow FDA alerts to avoid foodborne illnesses. In cases involving pathogens as dangerous as Listeria, prevention remains the only truly safe option.
