The FDA now warns against the third brand of imported enoki mushrooms under recall because of links to a Listeria outbreak that has sickened dozens. Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. Improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products breed the bacteria. Plus, it can survive refrigeration and even freezing. However, it is rare for healthy people to get a listeria infection, but the disease can be fatal to unborn babies and newborns.
Listeria Causes
Researchers have traced Listeria in soil, water, and animal feces. Some ways a person can contract the bacteria are:
- Eating raw vegetables grown in contaminated soil
- Consuming contaminated animal meat
- Drinking unpasteurized milk or eating foods made with unpasteurized milk
- Ingesting certain processed foods such as contaminated soft cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats
- Also, unborn babies can contract it from the mother via the placenta.
Mushroom Listeria Outbreak
The FDA is warning against users consuming enoki mushrooms from Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food, Inc. These mushrooms contain Listeria. H&C Foods Inc. recalled 200 g/7.05 oz packages of enoki mushrooms imported from Green Co. LTD of the Republic of Korea. FDA import samples of enoki mushrooms from Green Co. LTD tested positive for Listeria. Green Co. LTD placed an Import Alert 99-23, on the mushrooms. This flags imported shipments.
Currently, there are 36 people across 17 states sick from Listeria. Thirty of the people have had to be admitted to hospitals. Company records show the implicated mushrooms were distributed in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. FDA officials investigating other states. Enoki mushrooms are a long thin white mushroom, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, or lily mushrooms.
The FDA has posted photos of all of the recalled products on its update page.
| Company | Size | UPC Code | Confirmed Retailers (others could be involved) |
Confirmed Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Hong Foods, Inc. | 200 g/ 7.05 oz. | 7 426852 625810 | J&L Supermarket, Jusgo Supermarket, ZTao Market, New Sang Supermarket, Galleria Market, Distributors | CA, FL, IL, OR, TX, WA |
| Guan’s Mushroom Co. | 200 g/ 7.05 oz. | 859267007013 | Sold to Distributors and Wholesalers | CA, NY, PA |
| H&C Food Inc. | 200 g/ 7.05 oz. | 831211204181 | Great Wall Supermarket | NY, MD, VA |
Help after a Listeria Infection
When you experience side effects from severe food poisoning, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement could also provide compensation for your injuries and damages. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is currently accepting Listeria infection injury cases in all 50 states. Therefore, if you or somebody you know was injured by an outbreak of Listeria poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation.