Why Are Enoki Mushrooms Always Getting Recalled and Are They Safe to Eat?
Enoki mushrooms are the focus of multiple recalls in recent history mostly because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes-a bacterium that is responsible for listeriosis or a serious foodborne illness. There are several reasons that have continued to prompt the recalls:
Growing Conditions of the mushrooms:
Enoki mushrooms thrive in long, cool, moist, and humid areas that also favor the growth of Listeria. They often grow in clumps and in soil or substrate, making them easily contaminated when infected
Processing and Packaging:
Harvesters wash enoki mushrooms before packaging, but unsanitized facilities and non-adherence to policies can lead to cross-contamination. Bacteria can also persist and tour under refrigeration so it becomes more fatal to one if contamination occurs during packaging.
High Intake of Raw Mushrooms:
Many people consume raw enoki mushrooms in salads or as garnishes, increasing their risk of Listeria infection. The consumption of uninfested mushrooms can be a hygienic practice since heat can dispatch listeria within the mushroom. However, the primary danger is eating uncooked fungus.
Importing from Overseas:
Enoki mushrooms, a popular staple for many people in the U.S., mainly come from countries like Korea and China. This raises questions about the quality of exported mushrooms due to the varying safety and sanitation standards in different countries
Recalls Linked to Major Outbreaks:
In recent years, there has been an aggressive concern around enoki mushrooms due to several cases of listeriosis linked to them, making food supervisory personnel much more cautious.
For instance, a U.S. outbreak in 2020 caused several deaths and illnesses, prompting most brands to initiate enoki recalls.
Are Enoki Mushrooms Safe to Eat?
Even though enoki mushrooms are likely safe, correct processing is essential to ensure their safety. To minimize the chances of foodborne diseases, do the following:
Thorough cooking :
Cook enoki mushrooms before eating them to kill listeria.
Recall status:
Prepare for enoki mushroom virus-related recalls and actively report any problems. These are available on electronic sources.
Proper storage:
Refrigerate enoki mushrooms properly and avoid leaving them out for too long.
Cross-contamination:
Wash your hands as well as any kitchen counter or surface that you will or have used for handling mushrooms, before and after containing them.
