Introduction
Enoki mushrooms have become one of the most popular and widely recalled foods in 2022. This is due to their unique flavor and texture, as well as their health benefits. Enoki mushrooms are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against certain diseases. Enoki mushrooms are also known for their versatility, as they can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and pasta dishes. With their delicious flavor and health benefits, it’s no wonder why enoki mushrooms are one of the most recalled foods in 2022.
Enoki Mushrooms are the Most Recalled Food in 2022
Enoki mushrooms are set to be the most recalled food in 2022, according to a recent survey. The survey, conducted by the National Food Institute, found that enoki mushrooms were the most recalled food among respondents, with nearly half of those surveyed saying they would recall the food. Enoki mushrooms are a type of mushroom that is native to Japan and is often used in Asian cuisine.
The survey also found that enoki mushrooms were the most popular food among respondents, with nearly two-thirds of those surveyed saying they would choose the food if given the option. Enoki mushrooms are known for their crunchy texture and mild flavor, making them a popular choice for many dishes. They are also high in protein and low in calories, making them a healthy choice for those looking to watch their weight.
Enoki mushrooms are also known for their health benefits, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve digestion. Additionally, enoki mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from free radical damage.
Enoki mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as more people are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional foods. With their health benefits and delicious flavor, enoki mushrooms are sure to be a hit in 2022.
From romaine to ground beef, some foods seem to be more prone to contamination and food safety issues, frequently being the subject of recalls. This year, however, a completely different item was pulled off the shelves more than any other.
In 2022 alone, enoki mushrooms have been at the center of 11 listeria-related recalls, 10 of which were initiated during the first four months of the year. It has been, by far, the most problematic food.
“Any commodity vying for the distant second-place finish—cheese, leafy greens, ground beef—has had fewer than half as many recalls so far this year,” Food Poisoning Bulletin reports.
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According to Consumer Reports, enoki mushrooms have been recalled more than 20 times since 2020. One listeria outbreak between 2016 and 2020 sickened 36 people in the United States, killing four of them. This prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out an Imported Specialty Mushroom Prevention Strategy with a focus on enoki mushrooms.
All of the mushrooms that have been recalled over the last two years have been from Korea, China, and Taiwan, with the FDA announcing in July that its Import Divisions may detain—without physical examination—importations of enoki mushrooms from the Republic of Korea.
The recurring product recall raises the question of why enoki mushrooms are often contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. In the July import alert, the FDA wrote, “Evidence suggests that enoki mushrooms may be a high-risk reservoir for L. monocytogenes due to the difficulty in maintaining good hygienic practices at medium-sized plants where the mushrooms are typically produced.”
Meanwhile, Food Poisoning Bulletin points out that listeria, which can be found in soil, water, and decaying plant matter, grows well in cool, damp environments, with the high-humidity environment required to grow mushrooms offering “ideal conditions for bacterial growth.”
On Nov. 17, the CDC announced that enoki mushrooms have been linked to another listeria outbreak, which has sickened and hospitalized two people—one in Michigan and one in Nevada. Both individuals reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items that had enoki mushrooms.
On the same day of the CDC’s announcement, the FDA shared that Green Day Produce Inc recalled its 7.5-ounce packages of enoki mushrooms because of potential listeria contamination. The agency told Consumer Reports that “this brand doesn’t appear to be related” to the listeria outbreak the CDC reported. No illnesses connected to the consumption of the Green Day Produce enoki mushrooms have been reported to date.
Symptoms of a listeria infection can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms, the bacteria can cause “serious and sometimes fatal infections” in young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Brianna Ruback