In addition to the lot # 300511, the recalled mushrooms have the UPC 6 953150 100684. The product is contained in a vacuum-sealed plastic package with the phrase “Product of China” written on the label. The mushrooms were initially distributed directly in Chicago, Ill. last month, but have since been further distributed to retail stores across the country. The potential Listeria contamination was discovered after routine testing conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a 200-gram package of enoki mushrooms. As a result of these findings, the distribution of the product has been suspended. While no illnesses have been reported to date, Listeria is especially dangerous for pregnant women, the very young, the elderly, and the immune-compromised. Listeria symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal ailments. The FDA is urging consumers who have purchased these enoki mushrooms to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Customers with questions can contact Golden Medal Mushroom Inc. at (323) 720-9126. This recall comes on the heels of a massive two-part recall of Dole packaged salads, which were also removed from store shelves on account of Listeria concerns. And late last month, Lidl branded frozen spinach was recalled because of a Listeria risk as well. If you have recalled food in your possession, throw it out and be sure to clean your kitchen thoroughly, with special emphasis on your refrigerator and any other surfaces that the recalled product may have come in contact with.
