Company recalls imported mushrooms after state test finds Listeria monocytogenes
T Fresh Company of City of Industry, CA, is recalling its Yes brand enoki mushrooms because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled mushrooms are packaged in 5.25-ounce and 7.5 ounce plastic packages and were grown in China. The contamination was discovered by testing by the California Department of Public Health, according to the company recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
It is likely that the mushrooms are no longer in the stream of commerce because the company reported only Yes brand mushrooms bought within the dates Jan. 18 to Feb. 16 are subject to the recall. Enoki mushrooms are white, have stringy stems and small caps.
However, people could still become ill because it can take up to 70 days after exposure for the symptoms of Listeria infection to occur.
The 5.25-ounce packages can be identified by looking for Lot #6021053. The 7.5-ouce packages can be identified by looking for Lot # 6021052. The UPC barcode numbers are 825382736718 for the 5.25-ounce packages and 825382736947 for the 7.5-ounce packages, with no other codes on either size.
Fresh T distributed the recalled mushrooms in California and Texas to retail stores through produce distributors.
“The distribution of the product has been suspended. No infections or illnesses have been reported or confirmed. Consumers who have purchased our enoki mushrooms are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund bought within the dates January 18th, 2022 to Feb 16th, 2022 for both items,” according to the company recall notice.
“Mushrooms are fungi, meaning they are not vegetables or fruits. Consumers should never eat mushrooms raw. All surfaces, utensils or containers that are used for preparing mushrooms should be separated from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.”
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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