Enoki Mushrooms Are Now Linked To Even More Illnesses

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Enoki mushrooms have been a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine for centuries, but recently they have been linked to a number of illnesses. Enoki mushrooms are now linked to even more illnesses, including listeriosis, a potentially fatal foodborne illness. This article will discuss the potential health risks associated with consuming enoki mushrooms and provide tips on how to reduce the risk of illness.

Enoki Mushrooms Now Linked To Even More Illnesses

Enoki mushrooms, a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, have recently been linked to even more illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about the potential health risks associated with consuming enoki mushrooms.

The FDA has identified several cases of serious illness associated with the consumption of enoki mushrooms. These illnesses include listeriosis, a bacterial infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other symptoms. The FDA is also investigating reports of other illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, that may be linked to enoki mushrooms.

The FDA is advising consumers to avoid eating enoki mushrooms until further information is available. The agency is also recommending that restaurants and retailers stop selling enoki mushrooms until the investigation is complete.

Enoki mushrooms are a type of white mushroom with a long, thin stem and a small cap. They are often used in soups, salads, and stir-fries. The mushrooms are grown in the United States, Japan, and other countries.

The FDA is urging consumers to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming enoki mushrooms. Consumers should also be aware that the mushrooms may be contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens. If you have eaten enoki mushrooms and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Cheese, deli meat, and ice cream have all been identified as likely culprits in recent listeria outbreaks and related recalls.

But one food has been implicated more than any other over the last year.

We’re talking, of course, about enoki mushrooms. The most recalled food of 2022 is making headlines again in the new year for the same reason.

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As of January 18, the FDA has found two strains of listeria in a sample of enoki mushrooms sold under the Glendale, N.Y.-based brand Utopia Foods. So far, the strains have been linked to three illnesses in Nevada, Michigan, and most recently, California, with all of the infected individuals requiring hospitalization.

According to the CDC, two of those people reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items that contained them. Meanwhile, the latest case did not report eating the mushrooms but did acknowledge shopping at Asian grocery stores. The long, thin, white mushrooms are a popular ingredient in East Asian cuisine.

As a result of the sampling efforts carried out by the FDA and state partners, on Jan. 13, Utopia Foods expanded its recall on enoki mushrooms because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The original recall was first initiated in late November and later expanded on Dec. 13, 2022.

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

recalled utopia foods enoki mushrooms
FDA

Although product shipment has been suspended, the FDA and Utopia Foods are continuing to investigate the source of the possible contamination.

The FDA urges consumers who still have the mushrooms to return them to their place of purchase for a refund. Those with additional questions about the recall can contact Utopia Foods at (718) 389-8898.

In healthy individuals, symptoms of a listeria infection can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The CDC notes that although symptoms vary depending on the person, listeria is most likely to sicken people who are pregnant, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Brianna Ruback

Brianna is the Editorial Assistant at Eat This, Not That! She attended Ithaca College, where she graduated with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communication Studies. Read more about Brianna

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