Harvest NYC Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling its 200-gram packages of enoki mushrooms because testing showed they are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled enoki mushrooms were distributed nationwide to retail stores. The product comes in a 200-gram, green plastic package marked with UPC Barcode 6975730520101 on the back label. They were distributed by Hofood99 Inc. of Oakland Gardens, NY.

No illnesses have been reported as of the posting of the recall notice in connection with this product.

The contamination was discovered after samples were collected from a store in Buffalo, NY, and subsequent analysis by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled enoki mushrooms from Jan. 11 to 31 are urged to destroy the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-596-0777.

about Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled of the recalled mushrooms and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.