by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its most serious recall classification—Class I—for a batch of enoki mushrooms distributed by Hofood99 Inc. due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The nationwide advisory warns that consumption of the affected mushrooms could lead to serious or potentially fatal infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the FDA emphasized the significant risk to public health. The contamination was detected during routine sampling conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), prompting an immediate recall of the affected product.
Why It Matters:
- Listeria monocytogenes can cause life-threatening infections or complications such as miscarriage.
- The Class I recall status signifies a high risk to human health and is used only for the most serious cases.
- Contaminated produce such as mushrooms may continue to spread bacteria, even under refrigeration.
What to Know:
- Product: Enoki mushrooms
- Brand: Distributed by Hofood99 Inc., Oakland Gardens, New York
- Package: 200-gram green plastic bags
- UPC: 6 976532 310051 (on back label)
- Label: Green outline of enoki mushrooms on the front
- Recall Number: H-0261-2025
- Distribution: 90 boxes shipped to retailers nationwide
- Contamination Source: Positive Listeria test from Michigan store sample
Consumer Safety Guidelines:
- Do not consume the recalled mushrooms.
- Return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it immediately.
- Sanitize any surfaces, refrigerators, or containers that may have come into contact with the mushrooms.
- Be alert for symptoms of Listeria infection, which include:
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- In severe cases: meningitis, miscarriage, or sepsis
FDA Statement:
“The contamination was discovered after samples were collected from a store in Michigan and subsequent analysis by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Laboratory Division revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.”
