If you’ve recently picked up a pack of enoki mushrooms, it’s time to check your fridge. The enoki mushroom recall just issued by Hofood99 Inc has now been classified by the FDA as a Class I alert (the agency’s most serious level) due to possible Listeria contamination. 

That means the product could cause serious health issues if eaten, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

The mushrooms in question were sold in 200-gram green plastic bags with a green outline of enoki mushrooms on the front and the UPC code 6 976532 310051 on the back. 

While no illnesses have been reported so far, Listeria monocytogenes were detected during routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, prompting an immediate nationwide mushroom recall. 

Hofood99 Inc, based in Oakland Gardens, New York, distributed the product across the U.S. so, no matter where you live, it’s worth double-checking your groceries.

Nationwide Enoki Mushroom Recall Triggers Class I FDA Alert

First things first: don’t eat them. Even if they look and smell fine, Listeria may be lurking invisibly, and it’s a bacterium that can survive and thrive in cold environments like your fridge. If you have the affected product, toss it out right away or return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund.

Even more importantly, the FDA is advising people to clean and sanitize any surfaces that the mushrooms may have touched. That includes shelves, drawers, and even knives or cutting boards that may have been used. Listeria is notorious for sticking around and spreading if it isn’t properly cleaned up.

Why It Matters

An FDA Class I alert is nothing to take lightly. This level of recall is only issued when there’s a high risk that eating the product could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” 

Listeria infections, although rare, are particularly dangerous during pregnancy and can cause miscarriages, premature deliveries, and infections in newborns. For older adults and people with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can lead to severe complications such as meningitis or sepsis.

Symptoms of Listeria contamination can include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Muscle aches

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

It’s also important to note that these symptoms can show up a few days to several weeks after eating the affected food.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have concerns or want to double-check whether your mushrooms are included in the recall, you can discuss the Hofood99 Inc. recall with the company at (917) 756-9833. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm EST. You can also visit the FDA’s website for up-to-date information and food safety alerts regarding this and other food recalls.

Protect Your Plate and Your Health

This enoki mushroom recall is a serious reminder for us to remain vigilant about food safety. If you’ve bought enoki mushrooms recently, give your packaging a once-over and err on the side of caution. When it comes to protecting your health, and the health of those around you, there’s no such thing as being too careful.