Urgent recall of enoki mushrooms in NSW, Queensland and South Australia

Enoki mushrooms are being recalled from stores in three Australian states over fears they may be contaminated with listeria.

Fruit Perfections and KO Food Australia brand mushrooms are being recalled due to incorrect best-before dates that increase the risk of the dangerous disease.

Listeria is a bacterial infection often associated with dairy products, such as ice cream and processed meats. It can be fatal for pregnant women, newborns and the elderly.

Healthy individuals who ingest listeria may experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

The mushroom has gained popularity due to its appearance in TikTok and YouTube recipes. (Pictured: Chef Chris Cho)

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness in pregnant women, unborn babies, neonates, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

‘The general population can also become ill from food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.’

Symptoms of listeria for high-risk groups include fever, muscle pain, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Fruit Perfection’s product has been recalled across South Australia

KO Food Australia mushrooms have been sold in Asian supermarkets in NSW Queensland and South Australia.

Affected products have an expiration date of 7/15/2023.

Fruit Perfections is recalling all enoki mushrooms sold in 140g packs.

They have been sold in Drakes Supermarkets and Romeo’s Foodland Stores in South Australia.

Food Standards Australia has urged consumers concerned about their health to seek medical advice and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

WHAT IS LISTERIA?

The above image is a computer illustration of the organism Listeria monocytogenes bacteria

WHAT IT IS, THE RISKS AND HOW TO AVOID IT

• Listeria can be found everywhere in the environment
• It is a type of bacteria that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals through contaminated food
• It is found in dirty water, irrigation water, soil and fertilizer
• soft cheeses such as Camembert; cold chicken and cold cuts; raw seafood and cold seafood such as smoked salmon; ice, fresh fruit and bagged vegetables can also carry Listeria
• Contamination can also arise from contact with animals and vermin and inadequate cleaning of contaminated fruit and unclean hands

WHO IS SENSITIVE … AND THE SYMPTOMS

• Pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk
• Listeria begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and sometimes diarrhea
• The time between consuming the bacteria and showing the signs of illness can often be between 8 and 90 days
• Some people end up in the hospital with dehydration

HOW TO AVOID IT

• Do not buy bruised or damaged fruit, wash before eating and refrigerate within two hours of cutting
• Avoid foods that have passed their expiration date or expiration date
• Cook food thoroughly
• Reheat the food until it is steaming hot
• Refrigerate leftovers immediately and use within 24 hours, or freeze
• Ready-to-eat foods should never be kept in the refrigerator for too long, as Listeria is one of the few pathogens that can grow in the refrigerator

Source: NSW Food Authority, Food Safety Information Council