Federal Agencies Investigate Listeria Outbreak Linked to Enoki Mushrooms - Importers Doing Too Little?

FDA and CDC are conducting an investigation into a Listeria outbreak linked to Enoki Mushrooms distributed by Utopia Foods, Inc. of Glendale, New York.  There are 3 cases, with the three people being hospitalized.

The distributor did issue a recall and then expanded that recall.

There has been plenty of concern about the Listeria risk in enoki mushrooms.  The question has to be asked if these importers are doing enough to ensure that their product is safe.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 3
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: October 8, 2022
States with Cases: CA (1), MI (1), NV (1)
Product Distribution: Nationwide


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-enoki-mushrooms-november-2022
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Enoki Mushrooms (November 2022)

Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Utopia Foods, Inc. enoki mushrooms imported from China. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. 

January 17, 2023

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, New York, as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. Enoki mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and 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 enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms. One patient did not report eating enoki mushrooms but reported shopping at various Asian grocery stores. 

Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of enoki mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) 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 Listeria 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, 2023, and January 13, 2023, in NY, NJ, and CT, to wholesale companies for further distribution.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing 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.

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, New York as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. Enoki mushrooms are long thin white mushrooms, usually sold in clusters. They are especially popular in East Asian cuisine and are also known as enokitake, golden needle, futu, seafood, or lily mushrooms.




As of November 17, 2022, CDC reports two illnesses included in this outbreak. Based on epidemiological information provided by CDC, both patients report consuming enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms prior to becoming ill.




Through ongoing sampling efforts, FDA and state partners have been collecting and testing samples of enoki mushrooms. An import sample of enoki mushrooms branded as Utopia Foods, Inc. was collected by FDA and was reported as being positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the strain of Listeria found in this sample matches the strain of Listeria linked to illnesses in this outbreak.




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, 2023, and January 13, 2023, in NY, NJ, and CT to wholesale companies for further distribution.




On December 13, 2022, as a result of earlier testing that determined enoki mushroom product was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, Utopia Foods Inc. issued a voluntary recall of 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China and shipped nationwide. The Listeria detected in their product at that time has not been linked to this outbreak or any reported illnesses.




FDA’s investigation is ongoing 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.

Utopia Foods Inc of Glendale, NY, is recalling its 200g packages of “Enoki Mushrooms”, imported from China. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in produce wholesale companies. The product comes in clear and blue plastic package with the brand name “Utopia” and barcode # 8928918610017 marked on the packaging. The initial recall includes all products within expiration and the expanded recall includes products with clear markings of “Best before 03/02/2023” or “Best before 03.09.23”. Products included in the expanded recall were distributed between January 6, 2023, and January 13, 2023.