The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for Meta brand Enoki mushrooms from Lian Teng Produces Inc. due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses serious health risks, especially to pregnant women, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
Background
The recall was initiated following routine CFIA testing that detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product.
The contaminated Enoki mushrooms are confirmed to have been distributed to Ontario but the recall notice states that distribution may have also occurred in other Canadian provinces and territories.
Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected products from their shelves.
The CFIA has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the source of contamination and ensure that no other products are affected.
Product Details
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes |
| Meta | Enoki Mushroom | 200 grams | 6 957937 482116 | TH2408 SN: 695102 |
Consumer Action
Consumers are urged to take several precautions:
- Check for the Meta brand Enoki mushrooms in their homes
- Don’t consume, distribute, sell, serve, or use the affected products
- Dispose of any recalled products immediately or return to place of purchase
- As a general best practice, any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated mushrooms should be thoroughly sanitized to prevent cross-contamination
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the CFIA at 800-442-2342 or via email at [email protected].
Health Risks
Fortunately, no illnesses or injuries related to the recalled product have been reported. However, consumers who may have been exposed to the products or are showing symptoms should contact their medical provider.
Listeriosis is an infection that causes fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and muscle aches and is caused by the consumption of food contaminated by bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Unlike other strains of bacteria, listeria multiplies in foods stored in the refrigerator. Pasteurization and thorough cooking are the most effective methods of killing the bacteria and preventing infection.
The people most commonly affected by listeriosis include pregnant women, newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and cancer patients.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Listeria outbreaks, though relatively rare, can have severe consequences, making it imperative for food producers and distributors to adhere strictly to safety protocols. Any consumer who has been exposed to the recalled products should seek medical attention if they begin to show symptoms of infection.”
