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Listeria outbreak in the US linked to enoki mushroom; What we need to know?

As of January 18, the FDA had discovered two strains of listeria in enoki mushrooms marketed by the Glendale, New York-based brand Utopia Foods.

The strains have so far been connected to three diseases in Nevada, Michigan, and, most recently, California, with all affected people requiring hospitalization.

Listeria Outbreak In US

Two of those victims, according to the CDC, reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants that served them.

Meanwhile, the most recent case did not mention eating the mushrooms but did mention shopping at Asian food stores. Long, thin white mushrooms are a common element in East Asian cooking.

As a result of the FDA’s and state partners’ sampling efforts, Utopia Foods increased its recall of enoki mushrooms on Jan. 13 because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The original recall began in late November and was later expanded on December 13, 2022.

The recall affects 200-gram packages of Chinese-imported enoki mushrooms sold in clear and blue plastic packaging with the barcode “8928918610017.” The affected mushrooms, with “Best Before” dates of 3/2/2023 and 3/9/2023, were shipped between Jan. 6 and Jan. 13 to produce wholesale companies in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for additional distribution.

Despite the fact that product distribution has been halted, the FDA and Utopia Foods are still investigating the source of the probable contamination.

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Tips For High-Risk Individuals

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As of January 18, the FDA had discovered two strains of listeria in enoki mushrooms marketed by the Glendale, New York-based brand Utopia Foods.

If you are pregnant, over the age of 65, or have a compromised immune system as a result of certain medical illnesses or medications, you could become extremely ill if infected with Listeria. As a result, the CDC specifically encourages these high-risk individuals to:

  • Enoki mushrooms that have been recalled or tainted should not be consumed (or brands of enoki mushrooms linked to the current Listeria outbreak in the US)
  • If you eat other brands of enoki mushrooms, avoid eating them uncooked. Cook them fully because bacteria can be killed by cooking food to a high enough temperature.
  • After handling raw enoki mushrooms, always wash your hands.
  • Clean the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces where raw enoki mushrooms were stored.
  • Separate raw enoki mushrooms and meals that will not be cooked.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Listeria infection often occur 2 weeks after ingesting food contaminated with the bacteria. The symptoms may appear as soon as the next day after consuming the infected food or as late as 10 weeks later.

The most common signs of Listeria infection are fever, muscle pains, and fatigue. People who are not pregnant may also experience a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures in addition to these symptoms.

Listeria infection in pregnant women can result in pregnancy loss or early birth, as well as serious sickness or death in neonates.

Listeria infection frequently leads to hospitalization and, in severe cases, death in people 65 and older or with weaker immune systems.

If you have any of these symptoms after consuming enoki mushrooms, get medical attention immediately.

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