The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its use of import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.
Recent modifications to FDA’s import alerts, as posted by the agency, are listed below.
Click here to go to the FDA page with links to details on specific alerts.
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On March 1, the FDA announced that it is expanding an import alert issued last July for all enoki mushrooms imported from the Republic of Korea to now also include enoki mushrooms from China for detention without a physical examination at U.S. borders (DWPE) to further protect public health.
Previously, this import alert only included enoki mushrooms from the Republic of Korea. From Oct. 2020 through Feb. 2023, state public health authorities conducted a sampling of enoki mushrooms from retail locations. Multiple state samples detected L. monocytogenes, which led to 18 recalls of enoki mushrooms in the U.S. since 2021. Eight of the recalls were linked to enoki mushrooms grown in the Republic of Korea, and 10 from China, were confirmed via labeling, traceback, or whole genome sequencing (WGS).
During this time, FDA sampled and analyzed 127 shipments of enoki mushrooms imported from China and found 18 to be violative, representing a violation rate of more than 14 percent. This effort identified 15 firms with violative products out of at least 37 declared firms that had exported enoki mushrooms from China to the U.S.
Additionally, a recent FDA multi-state outbreak investigation linked three cases of listeriosis to enoki mushrooms labeled as a product of China.
Given the latest data and information, the FDA is expanding the country-wide import alert to subject enoki mushrooms from China to DWPE to help prevent the importation of enoki mushrooms that appear to contain human pathogens that may be injurious to public health.
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Jan Fruits Inc. of Vernon, CA is recalling all its cases of its 200g/7.05oz packages of Enoki Mushroom (Product of Taiwan) because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the State of Hawaii which revealed that the finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes.
According to the company announcement posted by the FDA, the recalled Enoki Mushroom product was distributed in California to small local produce distributors or wholesalers for further distribution to retail stores within California and Hawaii.
Recalled product:
As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The distribution of the product is suspended.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health.
Consumers should return enoki packages to the place of purchase for a full refund.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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Xin Ao International Group Corp. of Linden, NJ, is recalling its 200 grams packages of “Sss Enoki Mushroom” and “K-Fresh Mushroom”, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
“Sss Enoki Mushroom” and “K-Fresh Mushroom” were sold at 99 Ranch Supermarket retail stores in Maryland. The product comes in 200 grams, clear plastic package marked with lot # 6953150100677 for “Sss Enoki Mushroom” & 4892742010234 for “K-Fresh Mushroom” on the top and with an expiration date of 02/15/2023 stamped on the side.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Maryland Department of Health which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product while the Food and Drug Administration and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
There is currently an investigation of a Listeria outbreak linked to another brand of enoki mushrooms and there have several recalls of similar products, but there have not been any illnesses reported to this brand.
Consumers who have purchased 200 gram package of “Sss Enoki Mushroom” & “K-Fresh Mushroom” should not consume them and are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 908-260-3061.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalledproduct and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is warning consumers not to eat enoki mushrooms produced by Shandong Youhe Biotechnology Co Ltd. in Shandong Province, China, because they have been traced to an outbreak of Listeria infections.
Samples collected and tested by MDH in early January were positive for Listeria that matches an ongoing outbreak. MDH is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other states to investigate the source of the contamination.
This product is linked to the ongoing recall of enoki mushrooms that was issued by Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, on Dec. 13, 2022, and expanded Jan. 13, 2023. The Utopia mushrooms are linked to an outbreak of Listeria infections.
Recalled product:
Anyone who has purchased any of these products shoulf throw them away.
In addition, MDH and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following for all other enoki mushrooms:
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any enoki mushrooms and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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Officials with the Food and Drug administration are doubling down on their warning against certain enoki mushrooms because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed another patient in a Listeria outbreak.
The public warning issued Jan. 18 came on the heels of a Jan. 17 announcement that the FDA had determined that Utopia Foods brand enoki mushrooms are behind an outbreak caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have been investigating the outbreak for several months. As of Jan. 18, the CDC is reporting sick people in California, Nevada and Michigan with each state having one confirmed patient with the outbreak strain. The outbreak strain has been confirmed on some mushrooms sold under the Utopia Foods brand.
All patients have required hospitalization. It is difficult to trace Listeria infections to implicated foods because it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of infection to occur.
Two patients reported eating enoki mushrooms before becoming sick. The third reported going to a store that specializes in Asian foods. Enoki mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, seafood, or lily mushrooms.
There have been numerous recalls of imported enoki mushrooms sold under a variety of brand names in the past year because of Listeria contamination, but this is the first time a specific brand has been linked to illnesses. Listeriosis is a serious disease that develops from the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and often results in death.
Utopis Foods Inc. of Glendale, NY, initiated a recall of some of its enoki mushrooms in late November and expanded that recall on Dec. 13.
The recalled fresh imported mushrooms may still be in the possession of consumers because of their long shelf life. The initially recalled mushrooms had dates of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23” The fresh mushrooms were distributed between Jan. 6, 2023, and Jan. 13, 2023, in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to wholesale companies for further distribution.
The mushrooms subject to the expanded recall were imported from China and shipped nationwide.
“Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of enoki mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the strain of Listeria found in this sample matches the strain of Listeria linked to illnesses in this outbreak,” according to an update from the FDA.
“FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine a potential source of contamination and whether any other products are contaminated or linked to illnesses. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The FDA and CDC are advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers to not eat, sell, or serve recalled enoki mushrooms from Utopia Foods Inc.
Public health officials say enoki mushrooms should always be cooked thoroughly to kill any foodborne germs.
Consumers, retailers and restaurants should follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with fresh enoki mushrooms to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, including retailers who stored or repackaged recalled enoki mushrooms. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any enoki mushrooms and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
Federal officials have confirmed that enoki mushrooms sold under the Utopia Foods Inc. brand name are behind an outbreak of infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have been investigating the outbreak for several months. As of the CDC’s last posting, two people from Michigan and Nevada have been infected. Both had to be admitted to hospitals.
Both patients reported eating enoki mushrooms before becoming sick. It is difficult to trace Listeria infections to implicated foods because it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of infection to occur.
There have been numerous recalls of imported enoki mushrooms sold under a variety of brand names in the past year because of Listeria contamination, but this is the first time a specific brand has been linked to illnesses. Listeriosis is a serious disease that develops from the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and often results in death.
Utopia Foods Inc. of Glendale, NY, initiated a recall of some of its enoki mushrooms in late November and expanded that recall on Dec. 13.
The recalled fresh imported mushrooms may still be in the possession of consumers because of their long shelf life. The initially recalled mushrooms had dates of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23” The fresh mushrooms were distributed between Jan. 6, 2023, and Jan. 13, 2023, in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to wholesale companies for further distribution.
The mushrooms subject to the expanded recall were also imported from China and shipped nationwide.
“Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of enoki mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the strain of Listeria found in this sample matches the strain of Listeria linked to illnesses in this outbreak, according to an update from the FDA.
“FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine a potential source of contamination and whether any other products are contaminated or linked to illnesses. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Enoki mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, seafood, or lily mushrooms.
The FDA and CDC are advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers to not eat, sell, or serve recalled enoki mushrooms from Utopia Foods Inc.
Public health officials say enoki mushrooms should always be cooked thoroughly to kill any foodborne germs.
Consumers, retailers and restaurants should follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with fresh enoki mushrooms to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, including retailers who stored or repackaged recalled enoki mushrooms. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any enoki mushrooms and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here)
The FDA is warning consumers to not eat Sun Hong Foods Inc. enoki mushrooms because of the threat of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The mushrooms are imported from China and tested positive for Listeria when Missouri health officials sampled them. At this time the Sun Hong brand mushrooms do not appear to be related to any outbreaks, according to the warning from the Food and Drug Administration.
In addition to the consumer warning, the FDA is warning restaurants and food retailers not to sell or serve the implicated mushrooms. Anyone in possession of the mushrooms should throw them away immediately.
“The FDA is awaiting information on the further interstate distribution of the enoki mushrooms and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed,” according to the warning.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated mushrooms and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)
Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is recalling its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms” because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The potential contamination was noted by a routine sampling conducted in the State of Missouri revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”.
The recalled “Enoki Mushrooms” were imported from China and distributed nationwide to produce wholesale companies and may have been further distributed.
Recalled product:
As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)
The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its use of import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.
Recent modifications to FDA’s import alerts, as posted by the agency, are listed below.
Click here to go to the FDA page with links to details on specific alerts.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here)
