On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that enoki mushrooms are likely the cause behind an outbreak of listeria. Listeriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria, can be especially dangerous, even deadly, for those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and older people. No specific brand of mushrooms has yet been identified as the source. 

So far, two people in two states have been sickened. The CDC says the actual number of people with listeriosis is likely far higher because some people recover and aren’t tested for listeria. And it can take up to four weeks to confirm whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, so any recent illnesses might not yet be reported. 

Since 2020, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration have tracked listeria in enoki mushrooms, which have triggered more than 20 product recalls. The mushrooms are frequently used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes and are usually cooked.

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James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, says that while health officials try to identify the product causing this listeria outbreak, it is safest to avoid all enoki mushrooms for now, especially if you are at high risk for serious illness. 

If you decide otherwise, you should thoroughly cook the mushrooms, Rogers says. And wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw enokis, as well as surfaces like your refrigerator, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils. “Listeria can easily spread from food to food and can live on surfaces like refrigerator bins or countertops for a long time.”

Another Enoki Recall

Also on Thursday, one brand of enoki mushrooms, Green Day Produce, was recalled because of possible listeria contamination. The packages are clear plastic and marked with “Enoki Mushroom” in the front and Green Day Produce, Inc., in the back, with a UPC of 16430-69080 on the back of the package. 

This brand doesn’t appear to be related to this outbreak, the FDA told CR, and no illnesses have been reported, the company says.

Consumers who have purchased these mushrooms should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 323-587-4688 or william@greendayinc.com.

The Risk of Listeria

Symptoms of listeria infection—fever, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, muscle aches, and headaches—can appear anywhere from a day up to four weeks after exposure.

The infection can become most serious when it spreads to the nervous system and causes a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant people, it can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, and serious infections in newborns. 

About 1,600 people are sickened each year and 260 people die from listeria.

Lisa L. Gill

As a dorky kid, I spent many a Saturday at the Bloomington, Ind., public library, scouring Consumer Reports back issues for great deals. Now, as a (much) bigger kid, that's still my job! Identifying products and services, especially in healthcare, that are safe, effective, and affordable—and highlighting those that aren't—is my top concern. Got a tip? Follow me on Twitter ( @Lisa_L_Gill)