FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms. FDA has identified imported enoki mushrooms distributed by Utopia Foods, Inc. of Glendale, N.Y., as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. These mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, seafood, or lily mushrooms.
As of January 18, 2022, CDC reports three illnesses included in this outbreak. Two sick people reported eating the mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing them. One patient did not report eating the mushrooms but reported shopping at various Asian grocery stores.
Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of the mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for L. monocytogenes. Whole genome sequencing analysis determined that the strain of Listeria found in this sample matches the strain of Listeria linked to two illnesses in this outbreak. FDA also detected an additional strain of L. monocytogenes in this sample, which is linked to one additional illness. Both strains are now included in this outbreak investigation.
As a result of this testing, Utopia Foods, Inc. voluntarily expanded their original recall (first issued on December 13, 2022) to include their 200g packages of enoki mushrooms, imported from China, with clear and blue plastic packages with clear markings of “best before 03/02/2023” or “best before 03.09.23.” These products were distributed between January 6 and January 13, 2023, in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, to wholesale companies for further distribution.
FDA is continuing its investigation to determine a potential source of contamination and whether any other products are contaminated or linked to illnesses. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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