Outbreak investigation of Listeria linked to enoki mushrooms

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms.

On April 7, H&C Foods recalled 200 g/7.05 oz packages of enoki mushrooms imported from Green Co. LTD of the Republic of Korea. The FDA import samples of enoki mushrooms from Green Co. LTD tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and on April 6, whole genome sequencing analysis determined that the L. monocytogenes found in the positive samples matched the outbreak strain. As a result, on April 7, Green Co. LTD was placed on Import Alert 99-23, which flags imported shipments from this firm for potential detention without physical examination.

Consumers should not eat and should check their refrigerators and throw away any recalled enoki mushrooms from Sun Hong Foods, Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food because they may be contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve recalled enoki mushrooms distributed by Sun Hong Foods, Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food.