If you recently picked up enoki mushrooms from a grocery store in BC, you might want to check the brand before your next hot pot night.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has just issued a recall for Mushmoshi brand Enoki Mushrooms due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The recall was published on February 2nd.
According to the CFIA, the recall was triggered by their own test results during a routine food safety inspection.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the product so far.
The affected product has the UPC code 6 931787 400001, so check the barcode on your package if you are unsure.
If you have this product at home, do not eat it.
The CFIA advises consumers to either throw out the recalled mushrooms or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in certain groups.
The tricky part is that food contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell spoiled.
You could have a perfectly normal looking package of mushrooms sitting in your fridge and still get sick from eating them.
Symptoms of Listeria infection include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness.
Pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for serious complications.
For pregnant women specifically, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
In severe cases, Listeria infections can be fatal.
This is not the first time enoki mushrooms have been subject to recalls.
The product has been flagged multiple times over the years for Listeria concerns, making it one to watch if you buy it regularly.
The CFIA says they are conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to additional recalls in the coming days.
If you think you became sick from consuming the recalled product, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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