Another Recall on Enoki Mushrooms: H&C Food Inc of Brooklyn, New York
After a series of nationwide recalls of enoki mushrooms, H&C Food Inc. of Brooklyn, New York, has issued a recall on their enoki mushrooms due to possible Listeria contamination. The recalls on enoki mushrooms, a product of Korea, began as early as 03/09/20 with Sun Hong Foods, Inc. recall of enoki mushrooms, followed by a recall by Guan’s Mushroom Co of enoki mushrooms on 04/23/20. The H&C Food Inc. enoki mushrooms were distributed from February 15, 2020 to March 5, 2020, in New York, Maryland, and Virginia. Sold in Great Wall Supermarkets, the recalled enoki mushrooms are in clear plastic packaging with a green label in 7.05 oz/ 200g quantities. The UPC code is #831211204181, with brand H&C Food Inc. labeled on the back. All of the enoki mushrooms with traces of Listeria have been a product of Korea. The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) declared on March 18, 2020, that after testing four producers of enoki mushrooms, two producers tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, yet the Korean MFDS declined to name the two producers. While the FDA is continuing their investigation into the exact source of contamination, they recommend not consuming any enoki mushrooms that are a product of Korea. If you have purchased enoki mushrooms that are a product of Korea, do not consume them. Instead, return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them properly. All surfaces, such as your refrigerator, that have come into contact with the mushrooms should be disinfected as well to avoid cross contamination.
National food lawyer Ron Simon warns of the dangers of Listeriosis, the infection caused by the consumption of Listeria monocytogenes. According to the CDC, symptoms of Listeriosis in pregnant women often present as flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, headache, and a fever. Pregnant women are the highest risk group of Listeriosis because the infection can be severe for the fetus if not treated, leading to miscarriage or severe infection. In people other than pregnant women, symptoms include flu-like symptoms, loss of balance, confusion, convulsions, and a stiff neck. In people with strong immune systems, Listeriosis symptoms typically resolve without treatment in a few weeks; however, in those immunocompromised, such as young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, a formal diagnosis and antibiotic treatment may be needed. Symptoms of Listeriosis typically begin 1-4 weeks after ingestion of listeria, though symptoms can began as early as one day and as late as 70 days after consumption. If you believe you are suffering from Listeriosis, contact your physician immediately.
