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.
“Consumers should not eat and should check their refrigerators and throw away any recalled enoki mushrooms from Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food, Inc. because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” according to an update this afternoon from the Food and Drug Administration.
“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 monocytogenes and on April 6, 2020, whole genome sequencing analysis determined that the Listeria monocytogenes found in the positive samples matched the outbreak strain. As a result, On April 7, 2020, Green Co. LTD was placed on Import Alert 99-23, which flags imported shipments from this firm for potential detention without physical examination. The FDA is encouraging the international community to consult the Import Alert.”
As of today, 36 people across 17 states have been confirmed as outbreak victims. 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 report distribution to other states is being investigated.
The FDA is working with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local partners on the outbreak investigation.
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.
Consumers can use the following information to determine whether they have recalled mushrooms in their homes. 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 |