Utopia Foods recalls enoki mushrooms because of possible health risk

Utopia Foods Inc. of Glendale, N.Y., announced Oct. 23 that the company is recalling all lots within expiry of Qilu Enterprise-branded, 200-gram (7-ounce) packages of enoki mushrooms.

The recall was initiated because the mushrooms have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to a news release.

The recalled enoki mushrooms were distributed to produce wholesalers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland. Products may have been further distributed to retail locations such as grocery stores, the release said.

The product comes in a 200-gram (7-ounce), clear plastic package with barcode 8928918610109 marked on the packaging. All products within expiry are included in the recall and were distributed between Aug. 7, 2023, and Oct. 20, 2023, the release said.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem, according to the release.

The potential contamination was noted by a routine sampling conducted by the state of West Virginia on products that were further distributed by Utopia’s customers bearing an expiration date of Oct. 26, 2023. The products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the release said.

Utopia Foods had suspended the distribution of the products and initiated a full-range recall for all expiration dates.

Consumers who have purchased the 200-gram (7-ounce) packages of enoki mushrooms are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-389-8898 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.