Enoki mushrooms, a staple in East Asian cuisine, have hit the recall radar for the second time in the past two months in Canada due to a potential contamination of listeria monocytogenes.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recalled this product on December 15, notifying consumers about the Golden Mushroom brand of enoki mushrooms by Goldenway International Trade Co. Ltd., urging a complete recall from all points of sale.
This recall, triggered by the CFIA, comes with a stern advisory against any usage, consumption, sale, serving, or distribution of the recalled product.
Classified as Class 2, denoting a moderate risk, the recall emphasizes the possibility of short-term or non-life-threatening health issues linked to the consumption of these enoki mushrooms.
The product in question has been distributed in Ontario, Quebec, and potentially in other provinces and territories across Canada.
Understanding the Risk: What You Need to Know About Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria at the heart of this recall, can contaminate food and lead to an infection known as listeriosis. Particularly vulnerable are pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and those with compromised immune systems.
Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the site underscores that Listeria ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States.
CFIA strongly advises individuals who feel unwell after consuming the recalled product to seek medical attention promptly.
Identifying Symptoms and Taking Precautions
It’s crucial to determine whether you have purchased the Golden Mushroom brand of enoki mushrooms, and if you have, CFIA recommends either discarding the item or returning it.
The statement emphasizes a critical point: contaminated food carrying Listeria monocytogenes might not display any visible spoilage signs or unusual odours, yet it can still pose health risks.
Symptoms of listeriosis encompass vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Any such symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.
If there’s any doubt regarding the purchased enoki mushrooms, it’s safest to refrain from their consumption and take necessary steps in line with CFIA recommendations.
