Listeria Alert Issued for Enoki Mushrooms

Federal health officials have announced a recall of certain enoki mushrooms after tests detected possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that can cause serious illness.

According to notices issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall involves two brands of enoki mushrooms sold in 150-gram packages:

• IQ Enoki Mushrooms with product code “UI775”
• HH Fresh Trading Enoki Mushrooms with product code “4711498860002”

The FDA said the HH Fresh Trading products were distributed through local wholesalers in Florida and Texas.

Consumers who purchased the recalled mushrooms are advised not to eat them and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

What Is Listeria?

Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The infection can be especially dangerous for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Possible Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says symptoms of listeria infection may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues

In severe cases, listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, serious infections in newborns, or death.

Health officials recommend that people in high-risk groups seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms within two months of eating potentially contaminated food.

Source: This article originally appeared on USA