Enoki mushrooms produced in Ventura City are contaminated and must be recycled_1

Recently, the Enoki King mushroom farm in Ventura, California, has been in the spotlight due to a recall of enoki mushrooms potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that this recall could pose significant risks, especially considering enoki mushrooms are a staple in many Asian households.

In a statement, the company clarified that the recalled product is 5.3-ounce (150-gram) packages of enoki mushrooms with batch number 4877. These mushrooms were sold in California and New York and distributed to retailers nationwide through produce distributors and wholesalers.

The FDA warns that Listeria is a bacterium that can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups such as young children, frail elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms like fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, pregnant women are especially at risk, as Listeria infections can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Currently, the FDA has not received any reports of illnesses related to this batch of enoki mushrooms. The recall was initiated after the Maryland Department of Health detected the presence of Listeria in these 5.3-ounce packages.

The packaging is a transparent plastic bag labeled “Enoki Mushroom” in both English and French, featuring the batch number 4877 on the front and a UPC code on the back, numbered 860011505600.

The FDA advises consumers who purchased this batch of enoki mushrooms to return them immediately for a full refund. Many in the Asian community have expressed concerns over the safety of these mushrooms, with some individuals stating they’ve refrained from purchasing them due to the recurring issues. Additionally, online discussions have highlighted the importance of ensuring enoki mushrooms are fully cooked before consumption to mitigate health risks.