Nationwide Mushroom Recall Issued Over Fatal Risk to Children, Pregnant Women
Here’s a condensed 600-word version with image placement suggestions:
Listeria Outbreak Prompts Urgent Recall of Enoki Mushrooms in U.S.
[Image Suggestion: Close-up of enoki mushrooms with a "RECALL" label overlay. Caption: "Recalled enoki mushrooms from Harvest NYC Inc. pose listeria risks."]
A New York-based food producer has issued an urgent recall of enoki mushrooms due to potential listeria contamination linked to severe health risks. The FDA announced on April 18 that 200-gram packages from Harvest NYC Inc. (Brooklyn-based) distributed nationwide between January 11 and January 31, 2025, may contain Listeria monocytogenes. This marks the second major enoki mushroom recall in two months, following a March 2024 FDA alert for similar contamination in a separate Brooklyn distributor’s product.
Health Risks & Symptoms
Listeria primarily threatens pregnant women, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, with a 20-30% fatality rate in severe cases. Even healthy individuals risk:
- High fever and muscle aches
- Neurological symptoms (headaches, neck stiffness)
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, diarrhea)
- Pregnancy complications including miscarriage
[Image Suggestion: Infographic showing at-risk groups and symptoms. Caption: "Listeria’s impact on vulnerable populations."]
Recall Details
- Product: 7.05-ounce enoki mushrooms (UPC 6975730520101)
- Distributor: Hofood99 Inc. (Queens, NY)
- Disposal: Consumers should discard affected products or return them to retailers
No illnesses have been reported yet, but the contamination was detected in a Buffalo, NY store sample. The FDA hasn’t disclosed total distribution numbers.
Why Enoki Mushrooms?
This delicate Asian cuisine staple (common in soups and salads) is prone to contamination due to:
- Soil/water exposure during growth
- Cold storage favoring listeria survival
- Frequent raw consumption
[Image Suggestion: Split image showing enoki mushrooms in a market vs. microscopic listeria. Caption: "Enoki’s delicate structure increases contamination risks."]
Historical Context
Recent U.S. outbreaks include:
- 2020: Multi-state outbreak linked to Korean imports
- 2023: Cases in CA, HI, MI, NJ
- 2024: Two Brooklyn-based recalls within 60 days
A Journal of Food Protection study found 43% of tested enoki samples carried listeria.
Safety Recommendations
- Check for recalled batches (UPC 6975730520101)
- Cook enoki mushrooms to 165°F+ internal temperature
- Store in dry, breathable packaging
- Practice strict kitchen hygiene
[Image Suggestion: Thermometer in a pan of sautéed mushrooms. Caption: "Proper cooking kills listeria bacteria."]
Conclusion
While no cases are currently reported, this recall highlights ongoing food safety challenges with imported specialty produce. Consumers should remain vigilant with enoki products and follow cooking guidelines to mitigate risks.
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