New Age International has issued a recall for enoki mushrooms branded under the Daily Veggies label, following a precautionary announcement made by the FDA. The recall was made public on March 11 and officially recorded on the FDA’s website a day later. These enoki mushrooms were primarily distributed to wholesalers in New York and subsequently delivered to various other retail points.
The recall was necessitated by the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful pathogen known to pose serious health risks, particularly for at-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, no illnesses related to these particular mushrooms have been reported so far.
Background on the Recall
New Age International, located in Brooklyn, is responsible for distributing the enoki mushrooms from Korea that are sold in 200g packages. The recall follows testing that revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples obtained from a retail store in West Virginia.
These samples were collected on January 14, 2025, and subsequent testing by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture confirmed the pathogen’s presence. The specifics of the recalled product are as follows:
“The recalled product is packaged in transparent plastic featuring yellow and green colors, labeled ‘Daily Veggies Enoki Mushroom Product of Korea Net Wt. 200g (7.05oz),’ with the UPC code 8809159458890 located on the back of the label. This recall encompasses all lots.”
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria monocytogenes is the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, health complications. Certain demographics, including individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, young children, and those with compromised immune systems, are at an increased risk of severe outcomes from this infection.
Symptoms associated with listeriosis can include nausea, vomiting, high fever, headaches, muscle aches, stiffness, and diarrhea. Given these potential dangers, the recall of the enoki mushrooms is a preventive measure to protect consumer health.
Advice for Consumers
If you have purchased the recalled Daily Veggies Enoki Mushroom 200g pack but have not yet consumed it, please ensure that you discard the product safely. Customers are entitled to a full refund upon returning the product to the retailer where it was purchased.
For any questions or concerns regarding this recall or the refund process, customers can reach out to New Age International by calling 718-808-1018, Monday through Friday, between 9 AM and 2 PM. It is advisable for anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming these mushrooms to seek immediate medical attention.
History of Enoki Mushroom Recalls
These long, slender white mushrooms are primarily imported from Asian nations, including China, Japan, and South Korea, and have gained prominence in various cuisines. However, the past few years have seen multiple recalls linked to Listeria contamination in enoki mushrooms from various brands.
The FDA continues to investigate the recurring sources of these safety concerns, and consumers are urged to take precautions by storing enoki mushrooms separately, avoiding consumption of raw varieties, and practicing thorough hand hygiene after handling.